Drawing laughter, music, and memory

Based in Hokkaido, Otojiro is a craftsman, singer, theatre lover, and long-time kamishibai performer whose handmade musical picture-story shows have delighted audiences for more than forty years. Alongside making custom furniture and daily living tools at “Zousan Studio,” he has continued creating original kamishibai works filled with humour, warmth, songs, and playful imagination. Inspired by Japanese theatre director Tsuka Kouhei and shaped through decades of community activities and children’s storytelling, Otojiro has developed a unique performance world all his own. Recent years have brought recognition at kamishibai competitions and festivals across Japan, including awards in Osaka, Shizuoka, and Nagoya. Returning to our event after appearing in WMDF 007, he draws audiences once again into his world of music, stories, and handmade creativity.