Abstract
Building on years of experimentation across diverse educational settings, this initiative showcases a professional development experience for educators focused on the use of Kamishibai − a Japanese storytelling art meaning “paper theater”. Held in Bressanone in October 2023 in collaboration with the MultiLab, a physical space and an opportunity for project co-planning of the Free University of Bozen-Bolzano, the programme delved into the cultural and philosophical roots of this ancient art form, highlighting its rich pedagogical and didactic potential. The training emphasized how Kamishibai fosters a holistic educationalprocess that nurtures personal and interpersonal awareness while enhancing relational, communicative, and creative abilities. Kamishibai provides a unique framework for exploring emotional literacy by engaging the body and senses. It opens an aesthetic space for self-expression through the synergy of multiple languages. Beyond serving as a teaching tool, Kamishibai becomes a dynamic space for imagination, expression, sharing, and action − a realm for playing with space and time dimensions through diverse perspectives, unlocking meaning through exploration and creativity. The training experience is presented through both theoretical insights and practical reflections, supported by documentation and testimonials from participants. Central themes that emerged during the process will be examined,emphasizing the transformative role of storytelling with Kamishibai.