Hiroko Fujita - Stories to Play With: Kids Tales Told with Puppets, Paper, Toys and Imagination April 8, 2008

"Japanese Folklore, Fukushima Style"

Traditional Stories, Songs, and Games from Fukushima Prefecture

Hiroko Fujita tells country tales she learned in childhood from farmers and village elders. Professional storyteller Fran Stallings introduces each tale with a brief English synopsis; then Fujita-san tells in the traditional manner, with lively gestures and facial expressions -- in Fukushima dialect Japanese! LANGUAGE IS NO BARRIER. Even preschool children follow these tales with ease.

Drawing on her large repertory and wide experience with all ages, Fujita-san tailors each concert to the appropriate developmental and interest level of the audience. She enriches her programs with traditional children’s songs and old-time games (comparable to jacks, marbles). Where time and place allow, audience members are invited to try their skill. These interactive programs have delighted audiences of all ages at American festivals, conferences, schools and libraries.