31st Annual Katari Japanese Storytelling Festival 〜 All Things Must Pass 〜
Schedule
Sat May 02 2026 at 03:30 pm to 05:00 pm
UTC-04:00Location
The Japan Foundation, Toronto | Toronto, ON
About this Event
The 31st Katari Japanese Storytelling Festival invites families, cultural explorers, and anyone curious to experience the richness of Japanese folktales, poetry, and traditional performing arts. This year’s theme, “All Things Must Pass,” reflects the transience of life, inspired by the cherry blossoms that bloom and fall quickly during Toronto’s short spring season. Enjoy a vibrant program of storytelling performed in English—no Japanese language experience required—featuring humorous and haunting folktales, evocative poetry, and live performances of traditional music. Each performance offers a unique window into Japan’s cultural heritage. Bring your family and friends, and experience the joy of Japanese storytelling in a warm, welcoming environment!
Here’s what audience said last year!: "
Today's presentation was amazing! I can't believe I missed 29 years of this! Thank you for the presentation ｡ﾟ(ﾟ´ωﾟ)ﾟ｡" —Anonymous
“Learnt more about the life of past people in different prefectures through song and poetry. Beautiful performance all around” —Anonymous
“Discovered diverse range of storytelling and folk culture.” —John
"Beautiful performance. Talented artists." —Thu
“Love the magic, storytelling.” —Eddy
“People in here (Canada) seem to preserve Japanese tradition, which is great!" —Anonymous
Audience: General (around 6 yrs old and above)
Admission: Free (RSVP required)
Wheelchair Accessibility: Yes
Agenda
A God of Laugh. Wahaha! by Seiko Shirafuji
Host: Seiko Shirafuji 白藤青湖
Info: 「笑いの神様・わっはっは!」（山口県伝統行事）白藤青湖
The Eyeballs of a Snake
Host: Koko Kikuchi 菊池幸工
Info: 「へびの目玉」（岩手県民話）
Folk Song A Lullaby of Takeda
Host: Sachiko Hata (vocal) 秦佐千子（唄）
Info: 「竹田の子守歌」（京都府民謡）
Yamagata Tribute : Until the Snow Melts
Host: Toshiki Mori 森俊樹
Info: 「山形トリビュート〜雪が溶けるまで〜」
Intermission
Info: Feel free to explore JFT Library's physical collection with complimentary tea!
Poem reading of The Legend of Sakura with Koto Rendition of Sakura Variations
Host: Yusuke Tanaka (Poem Reading) 田中裕介（詩朗読)
Info: 詩朗読「桜伝説」と琴演奏「さくら変奏曲」
Saitara Bushi, Kuroishi Yosare Bushi, Nada no sake tsukuri iwai uta
Host: Shakuhachi and Shamisen by Gerry McGoldrick 尺八と三味線：ジェリー
Info: Folk music performance by The Dokkoi group「斎太郎節」（宮城県）、「黒石よされ節」（青森県）、「灘の酒造り祝い唄」（兵庫県）ドッコイ・グループによる民謡合奏
A Noh Story “Dai-e“ (“Vanity” from Strange Light Afar)
Host: Rui Umezawa 梅沢ルイ
Info: 能語り「大会」（自著「Strange Light Afar」から「Vanity」篇）
The End
Info: JFT Library is open from 11:30 am to 5:30 pm to the public on Saturday, May 2. Feel free to explore our physical collection! Apply for a new JFT library card or renew your expired card here: https://tr.jpf.go.jp/library/collection-and-services/
Where is it happening?
The Japan Foundation, Toronto, CanadaEvent Location & Nearby Stays:
CAD 0.00
