INTERVIEW
Hana Hayashiya　Kamikiri (paper cutting) instructor, Traditional Culture and Performing Arts Program for Foreigners

Everyone can enjoy this traditional performing art, which transcends nationality

Communication through kamikiri (paper cutting)

Kamikiri is a traditional performing art; one theory says kamikiri originated in the Edo era, in which a performer talks to the audience while cutting silhouettes of various subjects such as animals or lucky charms from a single piece of paper. We kamikiri artists perform it at traditional Japanese variety halls, parties and so on. In this program, foreigners will have a chance to try the art of Japanese paper cutting themselves. If you’ve ever used a pair of scissors, you can enjoy kamikiri even if you’re a complete beginner. That’s one of the beauties of kamikiri.

At the start of each program I demonstrate kamikiri by cutting out a silhouette of a maiko (apprentice geisha). Then the participants choose what they like from a choice of simple subjects such as a baby chick, a rabbit or a turtle, and try kamakiri themselves. People from various regions including Asia, North America and Europe have participated in the program. Seeing both children and grownups become completely absorbed in making kamakiri cutouts makes me happy, too.

What I aim for in lectures is to converse without an interpreter as much as possible. I’m still studying English and have a long way to go, but even if my English is poor, I can communicate my feelings better when I speak to people directly — and it seems to me that the participants are happy when I do. In kamikiri we don’t use paper patterns or make preliminary sketches, so the finished shape shows the individual’s personality. We talk and laugh as we show each other our artwork. Kamakiri gives rise to communication transcending nationality — that’s a great thing, don’t you think? For me, too, it is really fun to have this kind of exchange with a wide variety of people.

It seems to me that globalization is moving forward in the lead-up to the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Recently, in performances held at parties, for example, I notice more visitors from other countries than before. I think there will probably be more and more chances to transmit kamikiri art for people in Japan and overseas.

Currently there are only about five kamikiri artists in Japan who perform at traditional variety halls. And I’m the only woman. This traditional performing art has been handed down with great respect and care, and I would like to make it known to as many people as possible. To do that, I want to make the best use of a distinctively feminine sensibility, and keep refining my kamikiri technique and conversation skills, as well as my English skills.

Hana Hayashiya

Kamikiri artist. She began studying with Imamaru Hayashiya in 1995. After completing her training as a zenza (opening act) performer, she began performing on the main stage in the September 2008 mid-month performance slate. Hayashiya is a member of the Rakugo Geijyutsu Association, and the first and only female kamikiri artist in the history of yose (traditional variety halls).