Abstract

A picture book that serves as children's first contact with the traditional Japanese performing art of Kabuki. It is an interactive picture book based on the popular play "Yoshitsune Senbonzakura," featuring a story about a fox parent and child, allowing children to enjoy reading while feeling like they are part of the characters by transforming with masks. Various masks, including a fox, a samurai, a princess, a ghost, and Kabuki actors with kumadori makeup, come to life with each page turn. By holding the mask to their face and peeking through the holes, children can transform into the characters of the picture book! The front side features illustrations and a line of dialogue, while the back side contains the full story and illustrations, allowing for a dual-sided use similar to a kamishibai. Illustrated by popular picture book author Rokudai Tanaka, the world of Kabuki is depicted as close, cute, and enjoyable. It also includes a craft sheet for making a kumadori transformation eye mask drawn by Shido Nakamura himself! By cutting out the eye holes along the perforations and attaching a rubber band, children can have half of their face become a Kabuki actor, adding a fun bonus.

Author’s Information

Nakamura Shido
Made his debut at the Kabukiza Theatre at the age of eight and assumed the name Nakamura Shido II. He embodied the fusion of cutting-edge technology and kabuki in his "Cho Kabuki" collaboration with virtual singer Hatsune Miku, and is actively promoting kabuki culture to the next generation through online streaming of kabuki performances.

Tanaka Rokudai
Painter, illustrator, and picture book author. His works include "The Great Octopus 8" (text by Uchida Rintaro, Kumon Publishing), "Nicoya no Mii-chan" (text by Takeshita Fumiko, Alicekan), "Heiki Heiki no Heno no Kappa!" (text by Karita Sumiko, Kyoiku Gageki), "Let's Go to Elementary School" (text by Saito Hiroshi, Kodansha), and "Sushi Desu Sushi!" (text by Hayashi Mokurin, Akane Shobo). His illustrations include the "Sunday" series (written by Murakami Shiiko/Kodansha), "The Atichi Little Demon" (written by Okada Jun/Kaiseisha), "I Can Do Anything" (written by Ito Miku/Poplar Publishing), the "Sounds" series (written by Nakagawa Hirotaka/Kosei Publishing), and "The Transfer Student is a Ninja?!" (written by Motoshita Izumi/both Kosei Publishing).