Nishiki Kage-E - Magic Lantern Show - Talk and Performance

Animated lantern shows in Japan, known as Nishiki Kage-E, are a traditional form of entertainment, which were popular in the Edo period. Now regarded to be the origin of Japanese animation, they feature exciting, beautiful and dream-like moving images projected by handheld lanterns, accompanied by music, sound effects and narration to bring the stories to life. The stories portrayed would often derive from a variety of traditional sources such as Kabuki and Rakugo, but the most popular of all were stories about ghosts and goblins, suiting the phantasmagorical, supernatural atmosphere created by the lanterns’ projections.

 

Reviving this tradition is the Fantasmaglia Japonica Ikeda-Gumi, a group from Osaka, Japan, who have meticulously reconstructed the traditional equipment to recreate and realise new stories. In this special event at the Japan Foundation, the 16 members of the group will provide a live performance of the charming ghost story Sakura-shiranami hyoito-bukuro (Cherry Blossoms, Foaming Waves, Flicking Bag) and the animated graphic Karin-sha (Wreath Car), as well as talking about the cultural significance and mechanism of this forgotten art form.

 

In an age where we have become accustomed to computer and video graphics all around us, this traditional art will bring you back to the beautiful world of analogue animation, evoking nostalgia and stimulating the imagination of its viewers. All are welcome to attend this event, which is also guaranteed to be a great treat for Halloween!