World Kamishibai Forum, Feb. 15-16, Free in San Diego

Free with Registration, the World Kamishibai Forum will convene in San Diego for two days of demonstrations, performances, and workshops. Organizers welcome teachers, librarians, storytellers, and all Kamishibai fans to attend. The Forum takes place at the San Diego Central Library, 300 Park Blvd., here in San Diego.

What is Kamishibai?

紙 - kami = paper 芝居 = shibai = theatre or play

Kamishibai performers use an easel, paper cutouts, and pictures to captivate audiences along with narration and voicework.

For Free Registration

You can register here, using the Registration link here, but first visit the Write Out Loud website for more information.

Familiar Face in San Diego

Walter Ritter of Write Out Loud

 

The Buddhist Temple of San Diego knows kamishibai primarily thanks to the performances of Walter Ritter, of Write Out Loud, who in recent years has become a fixture at our Annual Japanese Cultural Bazaar. Ritter is also the co-founder, with Donna Tamaki, of the Forum.

Kamishibai Artist from Around the World

San Diego’s own Ritter will speak at the forum along with other artists from the United States, Japan, and Peru. They include

  • Fumiko Araki (aka Bunchan), Tokyo, Japan

  • Pepe Cabana Kojachi (aka. Mukashi, Mukashi), Lima, Peru

  • Mimoto Fumiyo (aka Piman), Osaka, Japan

  • Tara M. McGowan, Vermont, USA

  • Donna Tamaki, New York, USA

SCHEDULE

Saturday, February 15, 2025

9:30-10:00Registration, Coffee hour

10:00-10:45Welcome, introductions and a demonstration by Dr. Tara M. McGowan, World Kamishibai Forum Co-director, author Kamishibai Classroom

11:00-1:00 Workshops by international presenters:*

  • Kamishibai performance techniques with Araki Fumiko (a.k.a. Bunchan)

  • Creating your own kamishibai, teaching children how to make kamishibai with Mimoto Fumiyo (a.k.a. Piman)

  • Implementation: Where and how kamishibai can be used with Pepe Cabana Kojachi (a.k.a. Mukashi, Mukashi)

1:00-2:00*** Lunch

2:00-5:30 Performances & workshops by international presenters

Evening*** “No-host” dinner Bali Hai Restaurant

*Already registered? Please let us know your workshop preferences:

Sunday, February 16, 2025

1:00-4:30

Open-mic kamishibai performances.
Bring your original kamishibai story or perform published stories.
Note: Separate registration is required for Sunday’s open-mic performances.

Save your spot!

Register for Open-Mic Performances

Open to the public, including children. Stages will be provided.

Learn more about the Kamishibai Forum at the Write Out Loud website.

BT SD