On 30th November 2014, Japan Creative Centre (JCC) ,The Japanese Association, Singapore and the National Library Board held “Traditional Japanese Paper Drama, Kamishibai” by Mr. Shigeyuki Noma in Tampines Regional Library and Sengkang Public Library. The event title was “Smile, Laugh & Enjoy Together！”Kamishibai is a form of visual and participatory storytelling that combines the use of hand drawn visuals with the engaging narration of a live presenter. Kami (紙) means paper and shibai (芝居) means play/drama.
Mr. Shigeyuki Noma, better known by his stage name Mr. Nomarin, is an expert in the art of the traditional Japanese Paper Drama, Kamishibai. He is currently 74 years old. As a retired primary school teacher of Japan, Mr. Nomarin performs Kamishibai more than 250 times yearly, in both Japan and overseas. Mr. Nomarin is no stranger to Singapore having performed Kamishibai here since 2001! This year, he performed the following 6 Kamishibais:
- What`s this ?
- Here comes Train !
- The Little Ninja
- The Kind Friends
- The Picnic of Tortoise Family
- The Mother Cat
All Kamishibais were so interesting, funny and engaging! The children that atteneded the sessions, as well as many of their parents, immensely enjoyed the Kamishibai, laughing and gamely taking part in all the interactive segments. Following Kamishibai, all the kids also enjoyed dancing to the song “Mori no Kitsutsukisan” (“The Woodpecker in the Woods”). Comments such as “I loved all the stories!” and “Will you come back again next year?” were heard from the children and their parents. The programme ended on a high note, with many children and parents looking forward to Mr. Nomarin’s next visit to Singapore.
 
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