Whether it is with a thoughtful story for adults, a funny folk tale for children, or the inspiring history of her Japanese American family’s experience in the incarceration camps during World War II, Anne Shimojima reminds us that to be human is to travel on the most fascinating journey of all. Her repertoire includes folk tales from around the world and historical pieces that help us find our place in the world today.
A professional storyteller since 1982, Anne performs in festivals, schools, libraries, museums, senior communities, conferences, and anywhere people gather to hear a good story. Her thirty-five years as an elementary school library media specialist and decades of performing have given her a deep understanding of the universal truths we can all find in story.
ASIAN AMERICAN STORYTOPIA!
A free YouTube channel of Asian American storytelling! Stories, activities, Asian culture!
Anne joins storytellers Karin Amano, Tobey Ishii Anderson, Alton Takiyama Chung, Eleanor Clement Glass, Yasu Ishida, Robert Kikuchi-Yngojo, Roopa Mohan, Motoko, Kuniko Yamamoto, Linda Yemoto, and Dr. Joel Ying for this fun introduction to Asian culture.
For elementary school children, their families, and all story-lovers!
Find it here!
UPCOMING PUBLIC PERFORMANCES:
SPRING GROVE STORYTELLING FESTIVAL
Sharing a set with Beth Horner and Chris Fascione - 6:15 - 7:00 pm.
Saturday, September 23, 2023 - Noon - 10:00 pm - 22 wonderful storytellers! Plus a 9:00 - 11:00 Master Class with Megan Wells!
HIDDEN MEMORY: AN AMERICAN WORLD WAR II STORY
Tuesday, November 7, 2023 - 1:00 - 2:30 pm CDT, College of DuPage, IL - ZOOM
Thursday, April 18, 2024 - 1:00 - 2:30 pm CST, College of DuPage, IL - In person!
Thursday, April 25, 2024 - 7:00 - 8:00 pm CST, Rolling Meadows Public Library, IL
Thursday, May 9, 2024 - 6:00 - 7:30 pm EASTERN, Paul Sawyier Public Library, Frankfort, KY
Read Anne's essay about creating her family history project and family story on Discover Nikkei's website.
SAKURA TALES: STORIES FROM JAPAN
Saturday, October 21, 2023 - 10:30 - 11:15 am CDT, Northbrook, IL Public Library. For families!
Tuesday, November 14, 2023 - 1:00 - 2:30 pm CDT, College of DuPage, IL - Zoom. For adults!
Thursday, April 4, 2024 - 1:00 - 2:30 pm CDT, College of DuPage, IL - In person. For adults!
ASIAN TALES AND TRAVELS
Tuesday, October 17, 2023 - 1:00 - 2:30 CDT, College of DuPage, IL - ZOOM.
Thursday, May 7, 2024 - 1:00 - 2:30 pm CDT, College of DuPage, IL - In person!
Join Anne as she tells traditional folk tales from Japan and China. Anne also shares photos of her time in Tokyo, Osaka, Hiroshima, and Takayama, describes a storytelling trip to Japan as a guest of the Japanese government , and tells of a surprising discovery of long-lost family. Then you’ll visit China, see the sights in Beijing and Datong, and visit Gengcun, an historic village with a 600-year tradition of storytelling.
Read about the Anne Shimojima Latte at Franny Lou's Porch in Philadelphia, PA!
Storyteller
Educator
Workshop Presenter
Morton Grove, IL 60053
Anne has a CD! Sakura Tales: Stories from Japan. Order it here!
Sakura Tales: Stories from Japanhas received a Storytelling World Resource Honor Award in the category of Storytelling Recordings!