Takeshi Tsuruno Also Attends! Spreading the Charm of Folktales Through Anime Screenings and Cross-Disciplinary Sessions: "Umi no Minwa Forum 2026" Held

The General Incorporated Association Japan Folklore Association held the "Umi no Minwa Forum 2026" on Thursday, March 26, 2026, at Kanda Myojin Hall. The event aimed to showcase the "Umi no Minwa" (Sea Folktales) animations produced in fiscal year 2025 and to create new value by combining folktales with music, haiku, and academic fields.

This event was held as part of the Nippon Foundation's "Umi to Nippon Project" (Sea and Japan Project), which connects people through the sea to pass on a rich and beautiful ocean to the next generation.

[Part 1] Sea Folktales Animation Screening Event

In the first part of the morning, many children attended and experienced the world of folktales through animation screenings and interactive workshops.

Watching Animations of Sea Stories from Across Japan

The latest works produced in fiscal year 2025 were screened, including sea stories from across the country such as "The Whale and the Boar" (Muroto City, Kochi Prefecture) and "Orihimezuka" (Oarai Town, Ibaraki Prefecture). Director Shinnosuke Numata took the stage before the screening. He mentioned that there would be a voice acting experience session later and said, "Japan has many sea folktales remaining. I hope you can learn through these animations how people from even before your grandparents' time interacted with the sea. We have produced over 100 works so far, and two voice actors are playing nearly 1000 characters. I hope you will pay attention to how the voice actors differentiate their performances," he shared his aspirations for the works with the children.

Learn from Professional Voice Actors! A Thrilling Voice Acting Experience

After the screening, a voice acting experience session was held with voice actors Go Shinomiya and Yasuyo Tomita as instructors. The children challenged themselves with a professional experience, speaking lines in front of the microphone in sync with the actual anime footage. The venue was filled with smiles as they earnestly embodied their characters with professional advice. "It was difficult, but I could do it once I tried!" and "I was nervous, but it was fun," said the participants, receiving warm applause.

[Part 2] Special Session ~ Min