Koto Tales

I went to go see Elizabeth Falconer, a Koto Master, perform at the Key Center Library. traditional Japanese Folk Tales, and performed traditional and contemporary Koto music. She toldOne of the legends, the Tanabata, is geared towards a slightly older audience. Another from Okinawa, about a dragon, centipede, and a rooster, was definitely a children's tale.

I really enjoyed watching how she incorporated music and instrumental sound effects into her tales. I was also very impressed with how she used the instrument and its components as a prop. With the dragon tale, she also used hand puppets, at one point using the dragons tail on the Koto to exemplify him stirring up the waves.

There were only two kids in the audience, which is why she also included the Tanabata legend. Still, it was very interesting. She also took time to explain the history of the Koto and Japanese storytelling. (And I got to play the Koto after the performance was over...FUN!!!)

The Library that hosted the session had put up a display of children's picture books based on Japanese folktales, featuring Japanese characters, or set in Japan. They did not, however, include my favorite Japanese tale...that of Sadako and the 1000 Paper Cranes. This is a true story, available as both a picture book and early reader chapter book. I think it would adapt well as a story telling tale, especially if one were to incorporate origami into the story (perhaps folding a paper crane as one spoke).