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DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20260502T153000
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SUMMARY:31st Annual Katari Japanese Storytelling Festival  〜 All Things Must Pass 〜
DESCRIPTION: \n \n  \n\nAs Toronto spring quickly unfolds and slips away\, join us to discover Japanese stories (told in English) and music that capture the beauty of impermanence! \nThe 31st Katari Japanese Storytelling Festival invites families\, cultural explorers\, and anyone curious to experience the richness of Japanese folktales\, poetry\, and traditional performing arts. This year’s theme\, “All Things Must Pass\,” reflects the transience of life\, inspired by the cherry blossoms that bloom and fall quickly during Toronto’s short spring season. Enjoy a vibrant program of storytelling performed in English—no Japanese language experience required—featuring humorous and haunting folktales\, evocative poetry\, and live performances of traditional music. Each performance offers a unique window into Japan’s cultural heritage. Bring your family and friends\, and experience the joy of Japanese storytelling in a warm\, welcoming environment! \n\nAudience: General (around 6 yrs old and above) \nAdmission: Free (RSVP required) \nWheelchair Accessibility: Yes \nRegister Here \n\n\nhttps://tr.jpf.go.jp/wp-content/uploads/Katari-2026-PR-Video.mp4\n\n\n Here’s what audience said last year!  \n“Today’s presentation was amazing! I can’t believe I missed 29 years of this! Thank you for the presentation ｡ﾟ(ﾟ´ωﾟ)ﾟ｡”  —Anonymous  “Learnt more about the life of past people in different prefectures through song and poetry. Beautiful performance all around” —Anonymous  “Discovered diverse range of storytelling and folk culture.” —John “Beautiful performance. Talented artists.” —Thu “Love the magic\, storytelling.” —Eddy “People in here (Canada) seem to preserve Japanese tradition\, which is great!” —Anonymous \n\nProgramme:\n\n「笑いの神様・わっはっは!」（山口県伝統行事）白藤青湖 A God of Laugh. Wahaha! by Seiko Shirafuji\n「へびの目玉」（岩手県民話）菊池幸工 The Eyeballs of a Snake by Koko Kikuchi\n「竹田の子守歌」（京都府民謡）秦佐千子（唄）、藤井愛子（琴）Folk Song A Lullaby of Takeda by Sachiko Hata (vocal) and Aiko Fujii (Koto) \n「山形トリビュート〜雪が溶けるまで〜」 森俊樹 Yamagata Tribute: Until the Snow Melts by Toshiki Mori \n-休憩- Intermission *Feel free to explore JFT Library‘s physical collection with light refreshments! \n\n詩朗読「桜伝説」と琴演奏「さくら変奏曲」 田中裕介（詩朗読)、藤井愛子（琴）Poem Reading of The Legend of Sakura by Yusuke Tanaka with Koto Rendition of Sakura Variations by Aiko Fujii (Koto) \n「斎太郎節」（宮城県）、「灘の酒造り祝い唄」（兵庫県）、「サクラ独唱」ドッコイ・グループによる民謡合奏 Folk Music Performance of  Saitara Bushi\, Nada No Sake Tsukuri Iwai Uta\,  Sakura Solo by The Dokkoi group\n\n\n\n\n三味線とギター：マーティン・ポーセンShamisen & Guitar by Martin Posen\n唄と掛け声：白藤青湖、秦佐千子 Vocal by Seiko Shirafuji and Sachiko Hata　\n締太鼓と篠笛：ナルラ斗希子 Shimedaiko and Shinobue by Tokiko Narula \n\n\n\n     7. 能語り「大会」梅沢ルイ A Noh Story “Dai-e“ (“Vanity” from Strange Light Afar) by Rui Umezawa \n  \n*The event closing time may be extended by 10-15 minutes depending on the progress of the programme.　 \n\nJFT Library is open from 11:30 am to 5:30 pm to the public on Saturday\, May 2. Feel free to explore our physical collection! Apply for a new JFT library card or renew your expired card here. \n\nStorytellers\n Sachiko Hata Born in Hyogo\, Japan\, Sachiko is an active community worker and singer at local events. She is teaching Etegami (picture card) craft\, Wagi (Kyogen-based health method) and the table style tea ceremony while practicing Voice Yoga every day. \n\n 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. \n\n Toshiki Mori is a Japan-based storyteller and creator. In addition to Kamishibai storytelling\, his work spans diverse fields including professional narration and video production\, such as creating promotional content for local municipalities and music festivals. \n\n 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. \n\n 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. \n\n 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. \n\nMusicians\n 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. \n\n  \nTokiko Narula born Oyama\, Tochigi Pref. Tokiko has been playing Taiko Drum and Shinobue with Do Kon Daiko in Burlington since 1996. In 2012 she was awarded an Ontario Arts Council Grant for Taiko and Shinonbue for further training by Kiyoshi Nagata and Kaoru Watanabe masters of those arts.  \n\n Martin Posen is an acoustic guitarist and composer and is currently playing and studying both Minyo and Tsugaru styles of shamisen. \n\n  \nCo-presented by\n  \nSupported by\n\n\n\n\n \n \n 
URL:https://tr.jpf.go.jp/event/katari-storytelling-festival-2026/
LOCATION:The Japan Foundation\, Toronto\, 2 Bloor St. East\, 3rd Floor\, Toronto\, ON\, M4W 1A8\, Canada
CATEGORIES:Children's Event,Library,Performance,Talk Event
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DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20250504T140000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20250504T154500
DTSTAMP:20260920T220232
CREATED:20250328T203417Z
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SUMMARY:30th Annual Katari Japanese Storytelling Festival – May the Force Be with Children!  –
DESCRIPTION:Enjoy an enchanting afternoon of Japanese folktales\, creative stories\, songs\, and traditional music performances with Katari Japanese Storytellers\, celebrating the 30th anniversary! \nThis 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! \nFor 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. \nBring your family and friends\, and experience the joy of Japanese storytelling in a warm\, welcoming environment! \n  \nThe recording of the event is now available on the YouTube channel of Katari Japanese Storytellers! Here’s what audience said!:“Today’s presentation was amazing! I can’t believe I missed 29 years of this! Thank you for the presentation ｡ﾟ(ﾟ´ωﾟ)ﾟ｡” —Anonymous “Learnt more about the life of past people in different prefectures through song and poetry. Beautiful performance all around”—Anonymous “Discovered diverse range of storytelling and folk culture.”—John“Beautiful performance. Talented artists.”—Thu“Love the magic\, storytelling.”—Eddy“People in here (Canada) seem to preserve Japanese tradition\, which is great!”—Anonymous \n\nAudience: General (around 6 yrs old and above) \nAdmission: Free (RSVP required) \nWheelchair Accessibility: Yes \n\nProgramme:\n\n「一休さん」菊池幸工 / The Boy Monk by Koko Kikuchi\n「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\n「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!\n「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\n「玉すだれ」白藤青湖 / Traditional street performance Bamboo Blind by Seiko Shirafuji\n「北海盆唄」、「嘉瀬の奴踊り」、「ソーラン節」、「花笠音頭」ドッコイ・グループによる民謡合奏 / Folk music performance of Hokkai Bon-Uta\, Kase no Yakko Odori\, Soran Bushi\, Hanagasa Ondo by the group DOKKOI!\n\n唄：白藤青湖、秦佐千子 / Vocal by Seiko Shirafuji and Sachiko Hata　\n三味線：マーティン・ポーセン/ Shamisen by Martin Posen\n尺八と三味線：ジェリー・ミッゴールドリック/ Shakuhachi and Shamisen by Gerry McGoldrick \nDancers: Michiko Abe-Kozlows and Yoko Hyde\n\n\n「リメンバー・パールハーバー」梅沢ルイ / Remember Pearl Harbor by Rui Umezawa\n\n*The event closing time may be extended by 10-15 minutes depending on the progress of the programme.　 \n\nJFT 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. \n\nStorytellers\n 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. \n\n 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.   \n\n 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. \n\n 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. \n\n 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. \n\nMusicians\n 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. \n\n 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. \n\n Martin Posen He is an acoustic guitarist and composer and is currently playing and studying both Minyo and Tsugaru styles of shamisen. \n\nDancers\nMichiko Abe-Kozlowski Born in Hokkaido\, Michiko is a jewelry designer and retired law clerk and a member of the Urara Mimbu-kai\, she enjoys learning and sharing traditional Japanese folk dances. She also belongs to the Kimono Fan group that promotes Kimono dressing in Canada. \n\nYoko Hyde Born in Kanagawa\, Yoko is a member of a Japanese folk dance group “Urara Minbu-Kai”\, which formed 15 years ago. She loves traditional Japanese dance and practicing with different groups. She enjoys golfing and exercising with Nia daily. \n  \n\n  \nCo-presented by\n  \nSupported by\n\n\n \n 
URL:https://tr.jpf.go.jp/event/katari-storytelling-festival-2025/
LOCATION:The Japan Foundation\, Toronto\, 2 Bloor St. East\, 3rd Floor\, Toronto\, ON\, M4W 1A8\, Canada
CATEGORIES:Community Events,Library,Performance,Talk Event
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DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20240323T140000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20240323T153000
DTSTAMP:20260920T220232
CREATED:20240212T173920Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240516T202801Z
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SUMMARY:29th Annual Katari Japanese Storytelling Festival – After Every Storm Comes a Rainbow –
DESCRIPTION:  \nThe recording of the event is now available on the YouTube channel of Katari Japanese Storytellers!  \n \n  \nStep into a world of enchanting Japanese tales at our traditional storytelling event\, celebrating Japanese culture through captivating narratives\, folk songs\, and musical performances! \nAlthough the pandemic prevented us from holding in-person events for the past five years\, Katari has evolved into a cherished tradition\, spreading Japanese folklore\, creativity\, and language to the diverse communities of Canada. The Katari Japanese Storytellers’ programme showcases family-friendly traditional Japanese stories in English. This year’s theme\, “After every storm comes a rainbow” (「待てば海路の日和あり」) promises a celebration of resilience\, hope\, and the triumph of positivity in the face of challenges. \n\nAudience: General (6 yrs old and above) \nAdmission: Free (RSVP required) \nWheelchair Accessibility: Yes \n\nProgramme:\n\n「座敷わらし」菊池幸工 / Tatami Room Boy by Koko Kikuchi\n「山姥（やまんば）」田中裕介 / Mountain Woman by Yusuke Tanaka\n「さくらさくら」唄：白藤青湖 / Song Sakura Sakura by Seiko Shirafuji    「春の海」琴：藤井愛子/ Koto solo The Spring Ocean by Aiko Fujii-休憩- Intermission\n グループ 弥栄 による民謡演奏 / Folk song performance by the group Iyasaka      「こきりこ節」/ Kokiriko-bushi      「津軽甚句」/ Tsugaru Jinku      唄と小太鼓：秦佐千子 / Vocal & Framedrum by Sachiko Hata\,       津軽三味線と尺八：Gerry McGoldrick /Tsugaru-shamisen & Shakuhachi by Gerry McGoldrick\,       津軽三味線：Martin Posen / Tsugaru-shamisen by Martin Posen\n「浦島太郎」森俊樹 / Urashima Taro by Toshiki Mori\n「無手勝流」梅沢ルイ / The Art of Fighting Without Fighting by Rui Umezawa\n\n*The event closing time may be extended by 10-15 minutes depending on the progress of the programme.　 \n\nJFT Library is open from 11:30 am to 4:30 pm to the public on Saturday\, March 23. Feel free to explore our physical collection\, with complimentary tea! Apply for a new JFT library card or renew your expired card here. \n\nStorytellers\n 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. \n\n 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. \n\n Toshiki Mori Toshiki started his career as storyteller of Kamishibai in Toronto and was invited to the Japan Festival 2020 in Ottawa. He currently lives in Yamagata\, Japan and has been actively performing at libraries and schools. \n\n 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. \n\n 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. \n\n 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. \n\nMusicians\n 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. \n\n 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. \n\n Martin Posen He is an acoustic guitarist and composer and is currently studying Minyo and Tsugaru shamisen with Omodaka Akiko. \n\nCo-presented by\n  \nSupported by\n\n\n\n\nRegistration\nThis event is now fully booked\, and registration is closed. Rush tickets will be available at the entrance on day of the event.
URL:https://tr.jpf.go.jp/event/katari-storytelling-festival-2024/
LOCATION:The Japan Foundation\, Toronto\, 2 Bloor St. East\, 3rd Floor\, Toronto\, ON\, M4W 1A8\, Canada
CATEGORIES:Community Events,Library,Performance,Talk Event
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