Okiku okiku okiku na-are
Noriko Matsui / 8 sheets
This bestselling kamishibai won the 1983 Gozan Prize. Picture book and kamishibai author Noriko Matsui experimented with unique aspects of the format to open up the new world of audience-participation kamishibai. As viewers of this particular work take part by saying, “Grow grow grow bigger!” they voice the universal human wish for growth. A representative work that overflows with charm.
Minna de pon
Noriko Matsui / 8 sheets
As everyone claps together (pon!), a dwarf bursts out of a large white circle. A robot jumps from a square, and a ghost pops out of a triangle. Everyone gets along and has a good time?what fun! Clapping itself is enjoyable, and the friends it summons add to the merriment. The dwarf, robot, and ghost serve as powerful symbols in this action-oriented audience-participation kamishibai.
Yoisho yoisho
Noriko Matsui / 16 sheets
As the audience calls out, “Heave-ho, heave ho!” (yoisho, yoisho) items that an octopus and horse are pulling along with cords become visible. As everyone continues to “pull,” together with a dwarf and an elephant, look there! Something special appears. The final sheet has eight different text options on the back, so the ending can be tailored to introduce an activity or connect with a story. This is one of the few kamishibai destined to be performed without the stage.