# Reviving the Art of Kamishibai-boards in the Digital Age

Once upon a time, storytelling was an art form that captivated children and adults alike. One of the most unique storytelling methods in Japan was Kamishibai, where tales were narrated with the help of hand-drawn illustrations on small wooden boards. While this captivating practice had once dominated Japanese culture for decades, it slowly lost its charm over time. However, with technology taking over every aspect of our lives, some creative minds are now finding ways to revive this lost art-form using modern tools such as digital platforms and social media. In this blog post, we'll take a closer look at how Kamishibai is being resurrected in the digital age and why it's still relevant today - so sit back and get ready to be taken on a journey through the world of Kamishibai!

## What is Kamishibai?

[[kamishibai boards pdf](https://flevy.com/browse/marketplace/kamishibai-boards-5512)] is a traditional Japanese form of storytelling that uses illustrated boards to tell a story. It was popularized in the early 20th century and was used as a way to entertain children and adults alike. Kamishibai fell out of favor in the postwar years, but has seen a resurgence in recent years.

Kamishibai translates to "paper theater" and consists of a stack of illustrated boards that tell a story. The storyteller will use these boards to act out the story, often using props and sound effects to bring the tale to life. Kamishibai stories are usually morality tales or folk stories, and often teach lessons about life and values.

The Kamishibai craze began in the 1920s and quickly spread throughout Japan. At its peak, there were over 10,000 Kamishibai performers in Japan entertaining audiences of all ages. However, with the onset of World War II and the subsequent Allied occupation of Japan, Kamishibai fell out of favor. It wasn't until the 1990s that Kamishibai began to make a comeback, thanks in part to renewed interest from educators and parents who saw its value as an educational tool.

Nowadays, you can find Kamishibai performers all over Japan entertaining audiences young and old with their engaging stories. If you're interested in experiencing this unique form of storytelling for yourself, be sure to keep an eye out for a Kamishib

## The History of Kamishibai

Kamishibai is a traditional Japanese storytelling method that dates back to the 12th century. It involves using a wooden board with illustrations to tell a story. Kamishibai was popularized in the early 20th century and was used as a form of entertainment for children. The art form declined in popularity after World War II, but has seen a resurgence in recent years.

KamishibaiBoardstorytellingmethod12th centuryJapanentertainmentchildrenWorld War II

## Kamishibai in the Digital Age

Kamishibai is a traditional Japanese storytelling method that uses wooden boards and pictures to tell a story. The art of Kamishibai has been passed down from generation to generation, but in recent years it has begun to decline in popularity.

However, there is now a resurgence of interest in Kamishibai, thanks to the advent of digital technology. With the help of smartphones and tablets, Kamishibai is being given new life as a way to entertain and engage children (and adults!) in the digital age.

There are now many Kamishibai apps available, which allow users to create their own stories or choose from a selection of existing ones. These apps also provide a convenient way to share Kamishibai stories with others online.

So if you're interested in trying out this unique form of storytelling, be sure to check out some of the great Kamishibai apps that are available!

## How to Make a Kamishibai Board

A Kamishibai board is a traditional Japanese storytelling tool that has been used for centuries. The boards are usually made of cardboard or paper, and they are often decorated with pictures and illustrations. Kamishibai means "telling stories," and the boards were originally used to tell folktales and children's stories.

Today, Kamishibai boards are making a comeback in the digital age. There are many ways to make a Kamishibai board, but here are some tips to get you started:

1. Choose your material. You can use cardboard, paper, or even fabric to make your Kamishibai board. Just make sure it's sturdy enough to support the weight of your illustrations and pictures.

2. Decorate your board. This is where you can let your creativity shine! Use paints, markers, stickers, and anything else you can think of to decorate your board. Remember to leave space for your story text as well.

3. Write or print out your story. Once you've decided on what story you want to tell, it's time to write or type it out. Make sure each page of your story fits snugly on one of the panels of your board so that it's easy to flip through as you're telling the tale.

4. Practice telling your story aloud. This is probably the most important tip! Practice telling your story aloud until you're comfortable with it. That way, when

## Kamishibai Resources

Kamishibai (紙芝居, "paper play"), also known as otogiri (御手振り, "hand-held drama"), is a traditional Japanese form of story-telling using hand-drawn picture boards. It was popularized in the early twentieth century and continued to be used through the end of World War II. In recent years, there has been a resurgence of interest in Kamishibai, with new generations of story-tellers rediscovering this unique art form.

There are a number of excellent resources available for those interested in learning more about Kamishibai. The Kamishibai website offers a wealth of information on the history and current practice of Kamishibai, as well as a directory of Kamishibai resources around the world. The Kamishibai Academy is another excellent resource, offering online courses and an annual conference for Kamishibai enthusiasts. Finally, the International Organization for Standardization has published a number of publications on best practices for creating and presenting Kamishibai stories.

## Conclusion

Kamishibai-boards are an incredibly unique and magical way to share stories with people of all ages. As technology evolves, so too should the way we tell stories, as this is how culture is kept alive and passed down generations. By reviving the art of kamishibai-boards in today’s digital age, we can ensure that these beautiful tales live on for many years to come – giving us a much needed break from our screens and reconnecting us with the joy of storytelling!