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Princess Kaguya returns to the moon. Taketori Monogatari (竹取物語, The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter) 日本語 月へ帰って行くかぐや姫。竹取物語, circa 1650

Classic Japanese Folktales

It’s not surprising that Japan, a nation of global influence in entertainment and pop culture, is rich in classic folktales—originally handed down from generation to generation through word of mouth.

Some classic Japanese folktales:

The Tale of Momotaro

One of Japan’s most beloved legends, the tale of Momotaro recounts an old couple who find a peach in the river. Slicing open the peach, they find a child inside whom they adopt and name Momotaro. Momotaro grows into a strong boy and decides to attack an island of devils. He does so with three companions that he gains along the way—a dog, a monkey, and a pheasant—by offering them dumplings his parents made. He successfully raids the island, defeating its horrifying inhabitants and its leader Akandoji. Momotaro is able to bring home his new found wealth and celebrate it with his family and new friends.

The Crane Maiden (Tsuru no Onegaeshi)

The folktale of Tsuru no Onegaeshi (The Crane Maiden) is about a young farmer who finds and treats a crane that was shot by an arrow. The farmer later encounters a young woman who becomes his wife. The woman brings with her a sack that provides a never-ending supply of rice, and she weaves magnificent cloths that her husband can sell. In turn, she asks the farmer never to look in the weaving room while she weaves. Unable to contain his curiosity, the farmer peeps inside, learning that the true form of his wife is the crane he saved. She uses her own feathers to weave the cloth. With her true form discovered, the crane decides to leave her heartbroken husband, leaving behind the last piece of cloth she had woven as a memento.

 

The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter (Taketori Monogatari)

The story of Kaguya-hime, or Princess Kaguya, is a most beloved tale. In the story, an old bamboo harvester and his wife cut a glowing piece of bamboo and find a tiny baby girl. They decide to adopt her. From then on, in every piece of bamboo that the harvester cuts he finds a piece of gold.

Their family grows wealthy and their tiny daughter grows to be a remarkably stunning woman. She has many suitors, but none can win her hand.  She later reveals that she actually came from a kingdom on the moon and that it is time for her to return. Her departure brings great sadness to her family.

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Read all about Japanese immersion learning and studying abroad. Check out our eZasshi archives for more articles!