Deaf and hearing performers present puppet theater "Klabautermann" – Akashi performance on September 22! Offering complimentary tickets for children during autumn holiday period

The Certified NPO Corporation Hyogo Children Support Organization (headquartered in Akashi City, Hyogo Prefecture; Representative Director: Minorutsugu Tada; hereinafter "the Organization") will host the Akashi performance of the puppet theater "Klabautermann" by Deaf Puppet Theatre Hitomi on Tuesday, September 22, 2026 (a national holiday), at the Akashi City Nishi-Akashi Citizen's Hall.

The Organization aims to provide enriching experiences for all children, regardless of their background. To help address the growing concern of "inequality in children's experiences," special complimentary admission tickets (up to 200) will be available for families facing economic or social challenges.

On one day of the autumn long holiday break, we hope to present a puppet performance that inspires children's sensitivity and encourages them to take their first step forward. Applications for these complimentary tickets will open on Monday, June 29, 2026, at 4:00 PM.

Performance Overview

Date and Time: Tuesday, September 22, 2026 (national holiday) 2:00 PM – 3:50 PM (Doors open at 1:30 PM)

Venue: Akashi City Nishi-Akashi Citizen's Hall (702-3 Nakao, Iwaya-cho, Akashi City, Hyogo Prefecture)

Program: Performance of "Klabautermann" by Deaf Puppet Theatre Hitomi

Eligibility: Households meeting any of the following criteria:

・Receiving public assistance

・Single-parent households

・Receiving child support allowances

・Receiving school attendance subsidies for fiscal year 2026

Capacity: Up to 200 people (special complimentary admission)

Admission: Free (advance registration required)

Application: Complete and submit the required information via the ticket application form

https://ws.formzu.net/dist/S55797426/

Application opening date and time: Monday, June 29, 2026, 4:00 PM onwards

Organizer: NPO Corporation Hyogo Children Support Organization

Co-organizer: The Foundation for Contemporary Puppetry Arts

Grant support: (Public Foundation) Osaka Community Foundation

Sponsors: Yamamura Construction Co., Ltd. and Matsuda Seikotsuin

Corporate sponsorship information: https://hpcso.com/news/9645

Individual donations: https://hpcso.com/puppet2026

About "Klabautermann"

Photo from Tokyo performance (Stage photo: Hitoshi Furuya)

This production is a commemorative work celebrating the 45th anniversary of Deaf Puppet Theatre Hitomi, based on the classic children's novel "Klabautermann" by renowned German author Otfried Preußler.

Synopsis:

An orphaned boy named Klabautermann is drawn by a mysterious voice into a "magic school" hidden inside a giant windmill. Under the control of a fearsome sorcerer master, he grows through bonds and conflicts with his peers, ultimately confronting immense magical powers. This is a fantasy tale of love and adventure.

About Deaf Puppet Theatre Hitomi

Founded in 1980, Deaf Puppet Theatre Hitomi is a professional puppet theater troupe composed of both deaf (hearing-impaired) and hearing performers. Focusing on the visual appeal of puppetry, the troupe develops unique stage expressions that integrate non-verbal theater, sign language, and sensory experiences through vibrations of diverse musical instruments and bodily sensations. Aiming to create puppet theater enjoyable for everyone from children to adults, regardless of disability, the troupe has performed over 2,500 shows across 650 locations in Japan and received international acclaim. Their groundbreaking performances, accessible and enjoyable through the five senses irrespective of hearing ability, serve as a bridge connecting people, culture, and welfare in today's diverse society.

About the Certified NPO Corporation Hyogo Children Support Organization

Founded in November 2013 by a group of high school students aiming to create communities where children can live with smiles, the organization was certified as an NPO by Hyogo Prefecture in January 2017 and received certification as a Certified NPO from Hyogo Prefecture in February 2023. To date, it has carried out diverse activities including academic support, creating safe spaces for children, experiential programs, and the Orange Ribbon Campaign. The group's proactive youth-led initiatives have been recognized with awards including the 10th Yomiuri Child-Rearing Support Group Grand Prize Commendation (2016), the Ashita no Machi/Kurashi Creation Activity Award Promotion Commendation (2017), and the Akashi City Education Merit Award (2024).

Official Name: Certified NPO Corporation Hyogo Children Support Organization

Representative Director: Minorutsugu Tada

Address: 8-11 Bessho-cho, Akashi City, Hyogo Prefecture

Established: November 29, 2013 (NPO certification date: January 18, 2017; Certified NPO date: February 22, 2023)

Programs: Academic support, child development programs, information dissemination, child abuse prevention support, and others

Certified NPO Corporation Hyogo Children Support Organization: https://hpcso.com

Monthly Supporter Program: https://hpcso.com/news/9109