Il potere delle narrazioni e l'arte del Kamishibai

This contribution examines the narrative power and educational potential of Kamishibai, the traditional Japanese "paper theatre", through an interdisciplinary lens that weaves together semiotics, pedagogy, and cognitive theory. Rooted in ancient practices such as emakimono and etoki, Kamishibai has reemerged today as a multisensory storytelling medium, capable of blending visual art, oral narration, and performative rhythm. The research highlights how Kamishibai is not merely a cultural artifact but a dynamic learning resource that stimulates imagination, fosters empathy, and promotes inclusion. Drawing on the theoretical contributions of scholars such as Barthes, Bruner, Vygotsky, and Paivio, the study illustrates how the integration of verbal and visual codes fosters deep cognitive engagement, enhancing memory, comprehension, and emotional resonance. Traditionally performed in public spaces, Kamishibai has now been adapted to new settings—schools, libraries, therapeutic environments—proving to be a powerful educational and communicative tool. Its narrative structure supports both personal identity formation and collective cultural expression, positioning it as a privileged resource for global citizenship education. Through a semiotic and pedagogical reading, this study reaffirms the transformative power of storytelling: each illustrated panel becomes a threshold to shared meaning, and each story a bridge between memory and imagination.