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IN GHOSTLY JAPAN

Immerse yourself in the spiritual realm of ancient Japan, where roamed demons, warriors, nuns and concubines. In this gripping tribute to Lafcadio Hearn (1850-1904), a Greek-Irish writer and folklorist whose understanding and appreciation of Old Japan surpassed those of many native Japanese people, Motoko offers a unique selection of six dark tales, inspired by Hearn and other sources of medieval fantasy. Marco Lienhard (shakuhachi), Mitch Chakour (synthesizer), and others superbly accompany her exquisite rendition.

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Like A Lotus Flower

Girlhood Tales from Japan

Courage, hope, and forgiveness intersect in these poignant and moving tales from Motoko’s childhood in Osaka, Japan. In the title story, Motoko discovers her grandfather’s shocking secret at his funeral. Half Girl is about her special friendship with her aunt, a breast cancer survivor. As a young woman in The Invisible Wall she is roped into meeting a young doctor for an arranged marriage!

Like a Lotus Flower: Girlhood Tales from Japan features original music by Yumi Kurosawa, a highly acclaimed player of 20-string Koto. Recommended for age 12 to adult.

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Tales of Now & Zen

With the same team of creative talents from her first CD (Yasko and Archie Kubota-musicians; Eshu Bumpus-additional vocal; Robert B. Smyth-producer) Motoko created a unique blend of folklore, myth, and original tales. You will learn how a Japanese grandmother lies about her age, how a proud single mother a century ago survived in a conformist society, and how it feels to raise a son in the U.S. Tales of Now & Zen conveys the spirit of Japan through singular charm and grace.

Recommended for age 10 to adult.

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The Promise of Chrysanthemums

and other Asian Tales of Love and Honour

Motoko’s lovely voice and enchanting music lead listeners through a wonderful selection of Asian folktales.

National Parenting Publications Awards (NAPPA)

A winner of 2002 Parents’ Choice Silver Honor Award, a 2003 Storytelling World Award, and a 2007 National Parenting Publications Award, The Promise of Chrysanthemums is a collection of Asian folktales, songs, and original stories. The tales range from hilarious to poignant, charming to sublime. Eshu Bumpus, an African American storyteller and long-time partner of Motoko, adds his gentle spirit to the creation.

Yasko and Archie Kubota, Boston--based Japanese musicians, lend an authentic and exquisite atmosphere to the stories. Produced by Robert B. Smyth of Yellow Moon Press, the CD is recommended for listeners age 8 to adult.

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Motoko Dworkin

© 2021 All rights reserved

 413-253-1664

motoko@folktales.net