'Kamishibai' is a Japanese word that literally means "paper drama". Originally used in Buddhist temples in the twelfth century, it was revitalised in Japan the early 1900s when the "Gaito Kamishibaiya" (Japanese for "Kamishibai Storyteller") travelled from town to town with his bike and wooden theatre to tell traditional stories to children. Today, the Kamishibai Storytelling technique is used by both teachers and parents in Germany, Sweden and increasingly in the UK.
The Kamishibai is a powerful tool when used to aid language learning or knowledge sharing. It's also a fantastic vehicle for ideas or cultural messages anywhere: large audiences, public places, small venues...
Story Prop Cards take images from well known stories and remove all text so that a child is encouraged to use their imagination and creativity to re-tell the story. It is also a great way to develop and explore vocabulary in any language.
The Kamishibai Storytelling Theatre slows down storytelling and encourages participation, concentration and confidence. Use well known traditional tales; new, exciting stories; or make your own Story Prop Cards, and the Kamishibai Storytelling Theatre will appeal to children, teachers and parents.