Imagining Spaces, Tools, and Activities for Playful Training: The Art of Kamishiba

Building on years of experimentation across diverse educational settings, this initiative showcases a professional development experience for educators focused on the use of Kamishibai—a Japanese storytelling art meaning “paper theater. Kamishibai provides a unique framework for exploring emotional literacy by engaging the body and senses. It opens an aesthetic space for self-expression through the synergy of multiple languages. Beyond serving as a teaching tool, Kamishibai becomes a dynamic space for imagination, expression, sharing, and action—a realm for playing with space and time dimensions through diverse perspectives, unlocking meaning through exploration and creativity. The training experience is presented through both theoretical insights and practical reflections, supported by documentation and testimonials from participants. Central themes that emerged during the process will be examined, emphasizing the transformative role of storytelling with Kamishibai