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Kamishibai - Japanese Storytelling

Kamishibai originates from traditional Japanese street theatre in the form of picture card storytelling. Unlike children’s storybooks, the text for Kamishibai is written on the reverse of cards so that the story can be easily read while the pictures are shown to students. 

The Japan Society offers a range of kamishibai resources which can be used to bring traditional Japanese stories to life in your classroom:

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Kamishibai: Momoko and Hina (Doll's Festival)

Kamishibai: Momoko and Hina (Doll's Festival)

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Kamishibai: Onikko (Setsubun)

Kamishibai: Onikko (Setsubun)

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Kamishibai: Taa-chan's Oshogatsu (New Year)

Kamishibai: Taa-chan's Oshogatsu (New Year)

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Kamishibai: Swim, Swim, Koinobori (Children's Day)

Kamishibai: Swim, Swim, Koinobori (Children's Day)

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Kamishibai: The Spider's Thread (Kumo no Ito)

Kamishibai: The Spider's Thread (Kumo no Ito)

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Kamishibai: The Moon Rabbit

Kamishibai: The Moon Rabbit

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Kamishibai: Japanese Storytelling

Kamishibai: Japanese Storytelling

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Kamishibai: The Story of Tanabata (Star Festival)

Kamishibai: The Story of Tanabata (Star Festival)

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Digital Kamishibai

Digital Kamishibai

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Kamishibai: Kaguya Hime - The Moon Princess

Kamishibai: Kaguya Hime - The Moon Princess