Mio loves to tell stories that celebrate the wonder, mystery, wisdom and magic of the natural world in all its many colours, enriching the tales with her clarsach playing.

Her ever expanding repertoire contains many traditional Japanese Folktales, humorously conveying a Zen philosophy, which as a teacher and Master of the Japanese Tea Ceremony she embodies in her own life. Her stories inspire reflection, transformation, tranquillity, peace and respect and gratitude for all of creation.

Mio believes that once upon a time the oral tradition of storytelling was the strengthening bond of the community and sees it as a seed of life. As a poet and artist, Mio loves to enthusiastically share story creation games with her audiences. Children of eight to eighteen and adult groups are Mio’s favourite audience. She performs wearing a traditional Japanese Kimono from her large collection which adds to her charismatic and authentic eastern presence.

Mio grew up in the Japanese Alps where the crescent moon bear, tortoise, salamanders, eagles, fireflies, and 100 species of dragonflies and butterflies still dwell – there’s even a nine-headed dragon!

Her father and grandfather are extraordinary storytellers and in her village of Shirotori (White Bird), ancient seasonal festivals are still celebrated, with the mountainous landscape being a towering inspiration for her creative life. Here, she learned to play the piano and paint from an early age, giving performances and exhibitions from the age of 3.

Mio has told stories professionally in Canada, Japan, France and the UK for audiences of 10 to 500. She has a diverse menu of performances on offer which can be tailor made to suit schools needs, including residential programmes. She is also a professional musician of piano, harp and Japanese koto.

Mio is available across the Lothians, Fife, Tayside and Central Scotland and more widely throughout Scotland including the Highlands and Islands by arrangement.

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