1. Kamishibai
Paper Drama

2. History Originated in Japanese Buddhist temples in the 12th century
Monks used picture scrolls (e-maki) to tell stories with moral lessons
Scrolls were read from right to left

3. History Revived in the 1920s through the 1950s
Revival tied to the global depression of the late 1920s
The Japanese government used kamishibai for propaganda during World War II

4. History
With the advent of television, the kamishibai storytellers gradually disappeared from Japan’s streets
Today kamishibai is used in Japanese libraries and elementary schools to promote good morals and academic skills

5. History Kamishibai has influenced manga and anime
Kamishibai storytelling is now popular around the world

6. Description
Kamishibai storyteller rode from village to village on a bicycle equipped with a small stage
The storyteller used two wooden clappers, called hyoshigi, to announce his arrival

7. Description
Children who bought candy from the storyteller got the best seats in front of the stage
The storyteller told several stories using a set of illustrated boards inserted into the stage

8. Description The boards were withdrawn one by one as the story was told
The stories were told as continuing serials and would stop at an exciting moment, leaving the children impatient for the next visit