Using traditional resources to bring Japanese culture into the classroom

Aiko Shiga is an incursion provider, showcasing Japanese culture using traditional resources and teaching methods. She says teaching about cultural differences is important for children living in multicultural society.

Aiko Shiga is an incursion provider showcasing Japanese culture to children using traditional resources Source: Athe Arifin photography

Former Kindergarten teacher in Japan, Aiko Shiga arrived in Australia in 2008. Her passion for early education continued in Australia, such that Aiko continued her study in children's service while working at a local childcare centre.

Seeing the various cultural backgrounds in the classroom, Aiko was soon using her Japanese props and songs to engage with children. 

"In multicultural society like Australia, I felt the need to share my Japanese culture with the children" 

The children responded positively to these props which Aiko was so accustomed to during her teaching years in Japan.

Aiko's show encourages children to experience and understand Japanese culture whilst having fun Source: Aiko Shiga

After Aiko witnessed one of the incursion performers at her day care, who educated the children about cultural differences, Aiko knew, "this is what I wanted to do"

Aiko officially began her career  as a Wasabi Kids Entertainer in 2019, visiting  child care centres, vacation care and family day care.

Her program utilises traditional Kamishibai or story telling boards, traditional songs, hand games and dance. She even performs ventriloquism using hand made puppets.

Her stories are from a Japanese folk tales, which children of Japan grow up listening and reading.

"They are great moral messages" says Aiko to SBS Japanese.

"When children saw the board for the story  they sat very quietly and paid attention. The story was excellent as it has a message for children and it got the children into a thinking mood during the story telling” said Maroubra Little Learning School in their testimonials.

Japanese folk tales has morals and teachings that children can learn from Source: Aiko Shiga

Aiko says, Japanese folk tales can at times be "scary" or "aggressive" so she always makes sure to tone down such scenes. 

Aiko loves crafting her puppets and props, such that her handmade stage is always a hit.

"I was never great with technology" says Aiko, who for the initial 3 months of the pandemic struggled to move her business online.

After seeking advice from various people, doing some research and getting help from her partner, her business was not only up and running, but blossomed as well.

Today, Aiko performs not only to Australian children, but  Japanese children living in Australia, as well as children living in Japan.

"I was surprised that regardless of the language, children laughed and enjoyed the same parts"

Online platforms has allowed Aiko to connect with children in Japan as well Source: markbondphotography

Through her engaging and interactive show, Aiko encourages children of Australia to experience and understand the Japanese culture. She also plans to use her platform to educate  Japanese children living in Australia about the calendar of traditional events like Tanabata (star festival) and Hinamatsuri (doll's day or girl's day) which are easily forgotten in a foreign country, as well as teaching English to Japanese children living in Japan.

Aiko says seeing children belly laugh or asking to "come back again tomorrow" is the most rewarding moment in her work. 

"I love it when I receive feed back that children are still singing Japanese songs a month after the show"

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