The Kamishibai Theatre Workshops, which were attended by more than 100 children from the first third of primary school and 18 children with special needs from the Cirius Vipava Institute, were completed. Kamishibai Theatre, a Japanese traditional form of storytelling with illustrations on a wooden stage, delighted the young participants and took them into a magical world of creativity and imagination. The workshops were led by Tina Zadnik, a Japanologist, all-round artist and Kamishibai theatre practitioner, who provided an authentic and exceptional cultural experience.
As part of the European Capital of Culture, all local schools in the region were invited to participate in the workshops. Four workshops were held with the performance “Kamishibai – Kaki Tree of Life” in different locations. The first workshop took place on 7 June 2024 in Spodnja Idrija, where 13 children took part. The second workshop took place on 5 October 2024 in Cerkno on the occasion of the Japanese Culture Day, with 30 children and the Japanese Attaché, Ms Mochizuki Takami. The third and fourth workshops were held on 14 November 2024 at the Ajdovščina Youth House, as part of the traditional Ajdovščina Youth House Festival, with 60 children from the first grade and 18 children with special needs.
The performance “Kamishibai – The Kaki Tree of Life” brought not only magical storytelling but also important symbolism. The Kaki tree, which survived the atomic bomb over Nagasaki, is considered in Japan as a symbol of peace, resilience and new hope. Through this story, the children learnt about the meaning of peace, compassion and resilience, and were touched by the profound life messages that this Japanese tradition carries.
During the workshops, the children were also informed that one of the descendants of the legendary kaki tree will be planted at the main event of the Kaki Tree Project of the School of Arts of the University of Nova Gorica, which will take place in the border area of the two Gorizas. Children have also been invited to this event, which symbolises integration, peace and sustainability, allowing them to be part of an important story that connects the local and global community.
The project is part of the official programme of the European Capital of Culture 2025 Nova Gorica – Gorizia.
