National Theatre Children's Website [Ochanomizu University Elementary School x National Theatre] Series Project Announcement
The National Theatre and Ochanomizu University Elementary School collaborate to launch an educational series on Kabuki.
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- 📰 Published: April 1, 2026 at 01:27
The Japan Arts Council and Ochanomizu University have been collaborating and cooperating by leveraging their respective characteristics and educational research cultural resources, based on the comprehensive agreement concluded in March 2023. Since fiscal year 2025, we have also been cooperating in the "Research on Effective Dissemination Methods of Traditional Performing Arts for Different Generations," which is jointly implemented by Ochanomizu University, Ochanomizu University Elementary School, and Junior High School, and aims to explore effective methods for disseminating traditional performing arts to elementary school students through university students.
As part of this research, we jointly conducted an art and craft class at Ochanomizu University Elementary School with the theme of "Kabuki Curtains." The learning process, children's creations, and teaching materials used have been serialized on the "National Theatre Children's Website" under the series title "Makuga Aira" (When the Curtain Opens). Through this series, we aim to deliver the charm of traditional culture to society at large, beyond a single educational setting. Please take a look.
【Series Project】Ochanomizu University Elementary School x National Theatre Art and Craft Class "Makuga Aira"
Publication Location: National Theatre Children's Website, "See & Read"
Class Content and Published Articles: Please see below.
■ Session 1: Learning about the history and types of Kabuki curtains
－ Class Report ① "What is a Curtain?" Report
－ Teaching materials used, etc.
Teaching Material "What are Kabuki Curtains? -Let's Go to the Theatre!- " Material
Teaching Material "Various Types of Kabuki Curtains" Material
Teaching Material "Inside and Outside of Kabuki Curtains" Material
■ Session 2: Creating curtains based on personal experiences and ideas
－ Class Report ② "Let's Make Your Own Curtain!" Report
■ Session 3: Reflecting on the production process and completed works
－ Class Report ③ "Enjoying Everyone's Curtains" Report
－ Work Introduction
"Gallery of Everyone's Curtain Works" Gallery
FAQ
What is the purpose of this series project?
The National Theatre and Ochanomizu University Elementary School are collaborating to allow elementary school students to learn about the appeal of traditional performing arts through art and craft classes themed around Kabuki's "curtains," with the aim of disseminating this appeal widely to society.
Where can I view the series?
You can view it in the "See & Read" section of the "National Theatre Children's Website." It is published under the series title "Makuga Aira" (When the Curtain Opens).
What content was covered in the class?
In the first session, students learned about the history and types of Kabuki curtains. In the second session, children created their own curtains based on their ideas, and in the third session, they reflected on the production process and completed works.
Are teaching materials provided?
Yes, teaching materials used in the class, such as "What are Kabuki Curtains?", "Various Types of Kabuki Curtains," and "Inside and Outside of Kabuki Curtains," are also available on the "National Theatre Children's Website."