Kuniko Yamamoto enchants audiences of all ages with dramatic storytelling that draws on myths and fables from ancient and modern Japan, spiced with social insights to educate and entertain. In Magical Mask, Music and Mime of Japan, Kuniko uses traditional Japanese music, handcrafted masks, stylized movement, and a touch of magic to create an artistic balance of illusion and reality. For younger children, Origami Tales uses folded paper animals and faces that come to life in folk tales. Each program encourages audience interaction and participation, with narratives carefully selected to reflect cultural and moral perspectives. Trained in dance and traditional arts in her native Osaka, Japan, Kuniko has lived in Florida since 1992.
Kuniko received national exposure performing Japanese Storytelling at the Silk Road International Exposition and on Kansai National TV in 1985. Over the last three decades, she has presented her programs throughout the United States.
She received the Tempo Award from Origami USA in 2007. As a passionate origami artist and teacher, Kuniko opened Origami Air Art Studio in 2017.
Kuniko has performed at The Kennedy Center (Washington DC); Disney Epcot Japanese Pavilion; Seattle’s International Children’s Festival/Giant Magnet; International Children’s Festival in Canada; National Storytelling Festival; LA Music Center /Performing Arts Center of Los Angeles County, and Pittsburgh International Children’s Festival. We are thrilled to have her back again this time to enchant children and families.
This event is open to children and adults, making it the perfect Spring Break activity—educational, active, and creatively inspiring. Experience the gardens, enchanted by sculpture, movement, and imagination.