#Japan #Tokyo #Japanese Folktales #Umi no Minwa #Tsutsuno Takeshi

Umi no Minwa Forum 2026: A Celebration of Japanese Folktales

The Umi no Minwa Forum 2026 took place on March 26, 2026, at the Kandamyoujin Hall, organized by the Japan Folktales Association. This event aimed to showcase the beauty of Japanese folklore via the medium of animation and to create new values by integrating folktales with music, haiku, and academia.

This initiative was a part of the Japan Foundation's “Ocean and Japan Project”, aimed at fostering connections through the ocean and preserving a rich and beautiful maritime environment for future generations.

Part One: Anime Screening of Coastal Folktales

The forum kicked off with an engaging morning session where numerous children attended an anime screening alongside interactive workshops that introduced them to the enchanting world of folktales.

Latest Coastal Folktale Animations

Highlighted during this session were animations such as “Whale and Boar” from Kochi's Muroto City and “Orihime Mound” from Ibaraki's Oarai Town. Director Numata Shinnosuke addressed the audience before the show, sharing his passion for folktales: “There are many coastal folktales in Japan. I hope through this animation, children will learn how past generations have related to the ocean. We have crafted over 100 stories, and with just two voice actors, they've brought nearly a thousand characters to life—please pay attention to their diverse performances!”

Voice Acting Workshop

Following the screening, a thrilling voice acting workshop was led by professional voice actors Shinomiya Go and Tomita Yasuyo. Children experienced stepping into character, delivering lines in sync with the animation. Laughter and applause filled the venue as participants expressed their excitement: “It was difficult, but I managed!” and “I was nervous, yet it was so fun!”

Part Two: Special Session – Creating a New World from Folktales

In the afternoon, the forum featured a special session with guest speaker Tsutsuno Takeshi, a charismatic talent active in various fields, who explored the multifaceted world of folktales.

The Fusion of Tradition and Modernity

Katamura Toshiko, a storyteller from Tottori's Iwami Town, mesmerized the audience with her rendition of the folktale “God of the Sea.” Her live narration's vigor and warmth flowed into an animated adaptation screening, seamlessly merging traditional storytelling with contemporary artistic expression.

The Artistic Elevation of Folktales

Themed around Umi no Minwa, various artists contributed performances that blended genres. The opera group Trio99 passionately expressed the emotions of the narrative from the anime “The Couple of Whales.” Following them, contemporary storyteller and rapper Masu delivered a groundbreaking performance, rapping the lyrics from the anime “The Kappa's Gratitude.” This demonstrated the modern entertainment potential embedded in folktales.

The Haiku Contest and Linguistic Exploration

Afterward, discussions took place with Hoshino Takashi, president of the International Haiku Association, focusing on the synergy between folktales and haiku. They discussed the shared power of expression, the connection with nature, regional characteristics, and the stimulation of imagination. Winning entries from the Umi no Minwa Haiku Contest were later announced, with appreciative commentary provided by Hoshino on each poem's fresh perspective.

Academic Insights into “Umi no Minwa Studies”

The session concluded with input from academic experts including Ikeda Shinichi, Iikura Yoshiyuki, and Shimoda Motoki, who engaged in discussions about the valuable contributions of folktales in areas such as architectural preservation and tackling social issues. They framed folktales as more than mere stories but as crucial resources connected to regional culture, disaster prevention, and environmental challenges.

Tsutsuno Takeshi’s Insights

Tsutsuno reflected on his renewed perception of folktales, moving beyond the idea that they're just for children, highlighting the profound meanings hidden within tales like Momotaro. He emphasized that these stories embody serious desires and dreams of past generations. By knowing the folktales of his adopted city, Fujisawa, specifically the tale of “Five-Headed Dragon and Benzaiten,” he revealed how such narratives reveal local history and maritime relationships, positioning folktales as gateways to deeper understanding.

Looking Ahead

Director Numata set his sights on an ambitious project: to produce Umi no Minwa animations for each municipality across Japan. He stated, “The core of Japan's praised orderly behavior and mentality can be traced back to the lessons learned from folktales in childhood. I aspire to evoke the often-overlooked 'spirit of the Japanese' through these tales.” His enthusiastic vision encompassed collaborations with diverse fields like rap, opera, and haiku to expand the realm of folktales.

This forum served not only as a celebration of Japanese maritime stories but also an inspiring platform for creative synergy that will enhance appreciation of Japan's rich narrative heritage. By fostering interactions among various disciplines, the Umi no Minwa Forum demonstrated the boundless potential of folktales.

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Event Details

• - Name: Umi no Minwa Forum 2026
• - Organized by: Japan Folktales Association
• - Cooperative Planning and Funding: Japan Foundation “Ocean and Japan Project”
• - Date: March 26, 2026
• - Location: Kandamyoujin Hall, Tokyo
• - Highlights: Screening of recent animations, voice acting workshops, engaging sessions with esteemed guests and experts, and a lively haiku contest.

A glimpse into Japanese folklore, creativity, and the young generation's involvement is vital for preserving these cultural treasures for the future.

For more information:
Japan Folktales Association
Ocean and Japan Project