14th Takehiko Kurushima Memorial National Storytellers Competition

About this event

This nationwide storyteller competition honors Takehiko Kurushima, an oral fairy tale teller praised as the Hans Christian Andersen of Japan. It aims to spread the spirit of Takehiko Kurushima—nurturing the dreams and hopes of children who will lead the next generation—while fostering children's culture. At the competition, solo storytelling of fairy tales or folk tales (original creations are also accepted) will be performed. Presentations are based on recitation from memory, with the elementary school division lasting about 5 minutes and the general division (junior high school students and above) lasting about 7 minutes. Following preliminary judging, five participants from each division will be selected for this final competition. Winners will be awarded special prizes including the Takehiko Kurushima Award, the Japan Youth Culture Center Chairperson's Award, and the Kusu Town Mayor's Award, alongside certificates, plaques, and supplementary prizes. The event will be published on the Kusu Town official website and other channels on the day of the event.

Venue

Kusumachi Melusan Hall

24-1 Iwamuro, Kusu-machi, Kusu-gun, Oita 879-4405