free to the public
February 15th-16th (Sat/Sun)
San Diego Central Library * 330 Park Blvd
Write Out Loud – an organization founded in 2007 with a commitment to inspire, challenge and entertain by reading literature aloud for a live audience, announces the first ever in-person World Kamishibai Forum, A FREE Forum for teachers, librarians, storytellers and all Kamishibai Fans. The purpose of the World Kamishibai Forum is to inspire, instruct, and increase kamishibai activity by celebrating the diversity of performance styles and the numerous applications for kamishibai that are developing in different contexts and cultures around the world today.The Forum takes place on February 15th and 16th at the San Diego Central Library, 330 Park Boulevard.
Saturday, February 15th programming
is designed to train individuals who want to become Kamishibai creators/performers.
Sunday, February 16th programming
is designed for EVERYONE to enjoy Kamishibai performances from local and international artists – and to have the opportunity to try the art form themselves.
The World Kamishibai Forum is sponsored by Toshiba, the San Diego Commission for Arts & Culture, The Parker Foundation, the Dr. Seuss Fund, The Conrad Prebys Foundation and the San Diego Central Library. The World Kamishibai Forum was co-founded by Donna Tamaki, Tara McGowan and Walter Ritter, https://writeoutloudsd.com/world-kamishibai-forum-2025/
Kamishibai is a traditional Japanese storytelling and performance art that uses illustrated paper cards and a narrator. The word kamishibai literally translates to “paper theater” in Japanese. Kamishibai (Storybox) brings international folk tales and other stories to life for people, from toddlers to teens and beyond. In this Japanese storytelling tradition, a professional storyteller reveals a series of illustrations as the narrative unfolds.
The World Kamishibai Forum will bring together and celebrate the diversity of Kamishibai performance styles from around the world. Librarians, teachers and storytellers will have the opportunity to learn from internationally recognized Kamishibai experts. The two days will encompass “How to” workshops and Kamishibai storytelling and presentations. Attendees will experience how Kamishibai inspires and teaches children to love storytelling and literature.
The World Kamishibai Forum will feature demonstrations, performances and workshops by an international slate of artists. Presenters include Araki “Bunchan” Fumiko from Tokyo, Japan, Mimoto Fumiyo from Osaka, Japan, Pepe Cabana Kojachi from Lima, Peru, and Tara McGowan – author of “The Kamishibai Classroom,” Walter Ritter and Donna Tamaki, all from the United States. Full schedule: https://writeoutloudsd.com/world-kamishibai-forum-2025/
Walter Ritter, Executive Director of Write Out Loud and co-founder of The World Kamishibai Forum shared “Write Out Loud has a robust Kamishibai program that we bring to classrooms and libraries across the county. It is an incredible storytelling art form – accessible to audiences of all ages. We are honored to host a distinguished international group of Kamishibai experts to share this incredible art form with our community.“
World Kamishibai Forum Schedule
San Diego Central Library 330 Park Blvd, SD 92101
Saturday, February 15 (Designed to train individuals to become Kamishibai creators/performers)
9:30-10:00 Registration, Coffee hour
10:00-10:45 Welcome, 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
*** Participants are responsible for their own food and lodging
Sunday, February 16 (For EVERYONE – to enjoy Kamishibai performances and join the open-mic)
1:00pm – 4:30pm
Open-mic kamishibai performances.
Bring your original kamishibai story or perform published stories.
Registration required – Save your spot!
REGISTER FOR OPEN MIC PERFORMANCES
Open to the public, including children.
Stages will be provided.
Learn More: https://writeoutloudsd.com/world-kamishibai-forum-2025/
Direct Registration link: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sl/msBjzpR/WKF2025
Open Mic Registration link for Kamishibai storytellers & performers:
https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sl/cLy8KlD/wkfopenmic
About Write Out Loud
Write Out Loud serves over 30,000 people annually with their core programs: In their six show season of Story Concerts; Poefest – a celebration of Edgar Allan Poe and other writers of the macabre, Kamishibai (StoryBox Theatre) for elementary students; Poetry Out Loud for high school students; Read Imagine Create for teens; Let Your Voice Be Heard – Student Poetry Initiative, Ripples From Walden Pond – a one-man play about Henry David Thoreau; and Stories for Seniors.
Susan
Susan Clausen
619-933-0038
CLAUSEN COMMUNICATIONS
Public Relations
– Connecting the Community –
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