The day
From storytelling into continued imagination
On July 14, 2026, we held a storytelling session at Alps House. Nakajima and Ito (Taka) took part, spending time with elementary and junior-high school children around a folk tale of Lake Kizaki.
The tale told that day was Goromaru of Lake Kizaki. Pursued by enemies, Goromaru tries to cross the lake while breathing through a bamboo tube. The dog and chicken he had cared for follow him, and the movement on the water’s surface reveals him to the enemy—a story with a slightly sad and mysterious aftertaste. Nakajima first delivered this narrative in words.
After the storytelling, Ito (Taka) showed the children an approximately 30-second video based on the same folk tale. Not only the finished version, but also funny failed takes in motion and wording drew lively comments. Questions such as “Can you do this too?” and “I want to see it again” spread the conversation. A day of listening to a folk tale naturally became a time to play with imagination.
Storytelling
Nakajima told the children the Goromaru folk tale of Lake Kizaki.
Folk-tale video
Ito (Taka) made a short video based on the same tale and showed it after the storytelling.
Conversation grows
Even failed takes drew comments, and questions and “try this next” ideas continued.
