Anastasia Lewis, Japanese teacher at Grose View Public School, has provided the following review of Anne Normans's performance at her school. If you would like to contact Anne, her email is info@annenorman.com


O-musubi kororin (Riceball tumble tumbling) performed by Anne Norman is more than a folktale. It is Japanese musical storytelling at its best. Anne, a very accomplished musician and performer, brings to life the traditional Japanese characters that this folktale is written about. Her cautionary moral that greed has consequences is understood. She captivates her audience from the very beginning of her performance. She uses her melodic voice, fascinating instruments, brilliant humour and storytelling abilities to immerse students in Japanese culture. Enthusiastically the audience co-creates the storytelling performance with her skillful guidance. Every child is engaged. Together the audience sings and does actions to the traditional Japanese folktale theme song Mochi-tsuki (Making Rice Cakes). Many children are invited on stage to learn how to play traditional Japanese instruments to add unique musical sound effects to the storytelling. A couple of students are taught a fun dance by Anne as part of the performance. With the beautiful drawings of the folktale displayed in an ever-changing backdrop, Anne narrates O-musubi kororin in English with Japanese language scattered throughout whilst conducting the children playing instruments and the audience. Finally, in true Japanese storytelling essence Anne leaves the ending a mystery, prompting the audience to create an ending to this adored folktale. The interactive style of this performance is what children love the most. The educational value lies in the authenticity and hands-on nature of the learning experience. O-musubi kororin is a must-see cultural performance that will encourage a love of Japanese folktales, language and music in your children.

David Pike, who shared his knowledge about Fukushima before and after the tsunami at our recent Japanese teachers' conference, has kindly provided a link to his photographs on Flickr.
The photographs are of Okuma Town in Fukushima, where David used to live and where the Tokyo Electrical Power Co nuclear power reactor that exploded is situated. The link is below. The photographs are in two separate albums for pre- and post- the disaster. It seems the trick with Flickr is that you find the page (and albums) of the particular person you are looking for by searching their actual name or account name through the people category (in this case David Pike or watashinoshashin). There is a commentary at the top of each album's photographs that you can read by clicking 'show more'. David hopes it will be of use to people. 
Thank you for presenting and sharing, David.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/131530474@N07/albums

http://www.asiaeducation.edu.au/curriculum/languages/japanese