30th Annual Katari Japanese Storytelling Festival – May the Force Be with Children! –

Enjoy an enchanting afternoon of Japanese folktales, creative stories, songs, and traditional music performances with Katari Japanese Storytellers, celebrating the 30th anniversary!

This year’s theme, “May the Force Be with Children!” celebrates Japan’s Children’s Day ( “Kodomo no Hi”,「こどもの日」), a day dedicated to honoring children’s health and happiness. This theme brings us full circle, paying tribute to the very first Katari festival in 1994, which began as part of Children’s Week event—a journey that started with Children’s Day and continues to inspire new generations!

For 30 years, Katari has been a bridge between cultures, spreading Japanese folklore, creativity, and language to the diverse communities of Canada in English. This event welcomes all generations to experience the power of oral storytelling and the rich heritage of Japan.

Bring your family and friends, and experience the joy of Japanese storytelling in a warm, welcoming environment!

Audience: General (around 6 yrs old and above)

Admission: Free (RSVP required)

Wheelchair Accessibility: Yes

Programme:

1. 「一休さん」菊池幸工 / The Boy Monk by Koko Kikuchi
2. 「熊に遭ったらどうするか・アイヌの狩人」田中裕介 / Ainu Bear Hunter by Yusuke Tanaka
3. 「祭花第二番」（吉崎克彦・作曲）、「五木の子守唄」琴：藤井愛子/ Koto (Japanese harp) performance of Matsurika No.2 (Composed by Katsuhiko Yoshizaki) and Lullaby of Itsuki Region by Aiko Fujii

   ---

   -休憩- Intermission
   *Feel free to explore JFT Library’s physical collection and the special Children’s Day display, with complimentary tea!
   

   ---

4. 「平和詩集と歌」菊池幸工、田中裕介、歌「ハナミズキ」秦佐千子 / Peace Poetry and Songs by Koko Kikuchi and Yusuke Tanaka (guitar), Hanamizuki by Sachiko Hata
5. 「玉すだれ」白藤青湖 / Traditional street performance Bamboo Blind by Seiko Shirafuji
6. 「北海盆唄」どっこいグループによる民謡合奏 / Folk music performance of Hokkai Bon-Uta by the group Dokkoi
   • 唄：白藤青湖 / Vocal by Seiko Shirafuji
   • 尺八：ジェリー・ミッゴールドリック、マーティン・ポーセンジェリー/ Shamisen by Gerry McGoldrick and Martin Posen
7. 「リメンバー・パールハーバー」梅沢ルイ / Remember Peal Harbor by Rui Umezawa

*The event closing time may be extended by 10-15 minutes depending on the progress of the programme.　

JFT Library is open from 1:30 pm to 4:30 pm to the public on Sunday, May 4. Feel free to explore our physical collection and the special Children’s Day display! Apply for a new JFT library card or renew your expired card here.

Storytellers

Sachiko Hata Born in Hyogo, Japan, Sachiko is an active community worker and singer at various local community events and she loves painting and teaching Etegami (picture card) craft, while practicing Voice Yoga everyday.

Koko Kikuchi Born in Tohoku, the northeast of Japan, Koko has been involved in Katari since its inception. He specializes in the folktales of his native region of Iwate, Northern Japan.  

Seiko Shirafuji Born in Yamaguchi Prefecture, she is a singer and folk dancer and a retired medical doctor. Seiko has been performing in community events and local festivals since 1995.

Yusuke Tanaka A veteran translator, writer, director of the Katari since 1994. He has been telling his own adaptations of Japanese folklore in many places such as New York, Seoul, Kyoto, Tokyo and Sapporo.

Rui Umezawa A Toronto writer and storyteller. His novel, The Truth About Death and Dying was shortlisted for the Commonwealth Book Prize for Best First Book. His past participation in Katari inspired his latest publication, Strange Tales Afar: Tales of the Supernatural from Old Japan.

Musicians

Aiko Fujii Started learning koto, shamisen and jiuta at an early age. She holds a koto teacher’s diploma in the Ikuta school from the Kyoto Todokai. Since 2017, she has experienced many concerts abroad, collaborative ensembles with other genres and teaching.

Gerry McGoldrick He has been involved with traditional Japanese music for over thirty years, and has played shamisen and shakuhachi in a variety of styles in Japan and Canada. A professor at Toronto Metropolitan University.

Martin Posen He is an acoustic guitarist and composer and is currently playing and studying both Minyo and Tsugaru styles of shamisen.

Co-presented by

Supported by