Kamishibai magic stories
February 21, 2026
@ Rua Red Art Centre, Tallaght
1.30 to 2.30 pm
Creative workshop
Suitable for children 4+
Language:
English and Japanese
Children €7
When you purchase a child ticket the accompanying adult goes free.
Please note:
Children must be under the supervision of an accompanying adult at all times.
This playful and creative workshop invites families into a shared world of stories, images and imagination. At its heart is a Kamishibai (paper theatre) tale, brought to life through illustrated cards and storytelling that welcomes children and adults to respond in their own home languages. Different voices, words and sounds are encouraged, making each telling unique and shaped by the families in the room.
Inspired by the story, families are invited to create their own “long stories” through art-making. Younger children can draw magical places and characters using bold colours, while older participants explore the beauty of Japanese calligraphy and Sumi ink, experimenting with brush marks and simple Kanji characters. Families are also encouraged to include writing styles, symbols and languages from their own cultural backgrounds.
This is a warm, relaxed space for listening, making and connecting, where imagination leads the way and everyone takes home a piece of the story they created together.
このファミリーワークショップでは2つのお話をします。紙芝居の「魔法の筆」というアジアの民話とアメリカの絵本の「ハロルドとむらさきのクレヨン」です。 歌やゲーム、二つのお話の後「長い物語」を創作します。ハロルドのように紫やピンクのクレヨンで絵を描くか、魔法の筆を持って日本の書道や墨に挑戦し、簡単な漢字や伝統的な筆絵をアートな感覚で学びませんか。ご家族で、それぞれの文化圏の書体について交流を楽しみましょう。
Meet the artist
Tamao Oka
Tamao is an educator and creative practitioner dedicated to promoting heritage language and culture through the arts. With a Steiner Waldorf Early Years Education diploma completed in 2016, she finds great joy in exploring arts and crafts as a means of connecting with children. Currently, Tamao leads the Irish branch of the International Children’s Bunko Association, a Japanese book club that supports families in maintaining their mother tongue. Her commitment to community engagement began in 2015 when she founded a Japanese baby and toddler group in her local library. Before transitioning into education and cultural advocacy in Ireland, Tamao’s career began in laboratory science and clinical pharmacy, providing her with a unique perspective on the intersection of science, care, and creativity.
Get your tickets
All ticket sales are final and refunds will not be issued.
Spread the word!
