Japanese Folktale Series

The Mystical Japanese Folktale “Mayohiga” (The Lost House)

Discover the enchanting Japanese folktale of Mayohiga (The Lost House). Explore the cultural significance of mountain spirits and the virtue of selflessness in Japan.
2026.05.31
Japanese Folktale Series
“What’s Today’s Special Day?” Series

May 31st: Captivated by the Magic of “Shinryoku” (Fresh Greenery) in Early Japanese Summer

Discover the beauty of May 31st in Japan. Explore "Shinryoku" (fresh greenery), Aomomiji, and how the Japanese tradition of forest bathing and Wabi-sabi connects deeply with nature.
2026.05.31
“What’s Today’s Special Day?” Series
Japanese Folktale Series

The Old Woman Who Became an Island: A Heartbreaking Ainu Folktale of Lake Mashu

Discover the tragic and beautiful Japanese folktale of "The Old Woman Who Became an Island." Explore Ainu mythology, the origins of Lake Mashu, and Japanese cultural heritage.
2026.05.30
Japanese Folktale Series
“What’s Today’s Special Day?” Series

[May 30] The Soul of Japan Rising from the Ashes: The Law for the Protection of Cultural Properties

Discover the tragic history behind Japan's Law for the Protection of Cultural Properties. Explore the unique Japanese philosophy of preserving intangible heritage, traditional craftsmanship, and National Treasures.
2026.05.30
“What’s Today’s Special Day?” Series
Japanese Folktale Series

Japanese Folktale “Bunbun Shaku ni Sase”: Animal Gratitude and the Choice of Destiny

Dive into the fascinating Japanese folktale "Bunbun Shaku ni Sase." Explore the cultural significance of Ongaeshi (repaying kindness) and animism. Find out how a lazy man won a fortune with the help of a turtle, a monkey, and a magical bee!
2026.05.29
Japanese Folktale Series
“What’s Today’s Special Day?” Series

May 29: The Presentation of the Kokin Wakashu and the Dawn of Japanese Aesthetics

Discover the profound impact of the Kokin Wakashu, Japan's first imperial poetry anthology presented on May 29, 905. Learn how it shaped Japanese aesthetics, anime, and culture.
2026.05.29
“What’s Today’s Special Day?” Series
Japanese Folktale Series

[Japanese Folktales] The Origin of “Speak of Next Year, and the Oni Laughs”: The Story and Deep Analysis of “The Laughing Oni”

「来年の事を言えば鬼が笑う」の由来となった熊本の昔話「鬼が笑った話」。働き者の鬼と人間の交流から、日本特有の異界観や文化を深く考察します。 / Discover the origins of a famous Japanese proverb through the folktale of the Laughing Oni.
2026.05.28
Japanese Folktale Series
“What’s Today’s Special Day?” Series

May 28th is “Fireworks Day”: Flowers of Prayer in the Night Sky and the Depths of Japanese Culture

Discover the profound history behind Japan's Fireworks Day on May 28. Learn how a 1733 memorial service on the Sumida River transformed into the spectacular Hanabi festivals deeply rooted in Japanese culture and the aesthetic of ephemeral beauty.
2026.05.28
“What’s Today’s Special Day?” Series
Japanese Folktale Series

A Hidden Masterpiece of Japanese Folktales: What “The Wren is the King of Birds” Teaches Us About True Strength

Discover the enchanting Japanese folktale of the Wren and the Hawk. Learn how the smallest bird became king and explore the deep cultural lessons behind this classic story.
2026.05.27
Japanese Folktale Series
“What’s Today’s Special Day?” Series

May 27 is “Hyakunin Isshu Day”: The Crystallization of Japanese Culture Connecting Heian Elegance with Modern Enthusiasm

Explore the rich history of Hyakunin Isshu on May 27. Dive into the elegant world of Japanese Waka poetry, competitive Karuta, and the Heian period's timeless romance.
2026.05.27
“What’s Today’s Special Day?” Series
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