Discover the heart of Japanese storytelling through one of its most beloved folktales, retold for global readers.

Introduction: What Japanese Folktales Reveal About the Heart

Japan’s traditional folktales have been passed down for generations, not just as stories for children, but as reflections of cultural values, moral lessons, and the deep connection between humans and nature. In this article, we explore one of the most iconic tales—The Tongue-Cut Sparrow—in a way that’s accessible and engaging for international audiences.

Story Summary: What Is the Tongue-Cut Sparrow?

Once upon a time, there lived a kind old man and his greedy wife. One day, the old man found an injured sparrow and brought it home, caring for it gently. The sparrow recovered and became his cheerful companion.

However, the wife resented the sparrow for consuming their rice and porridge. In a fit of anger, she cut out the sparrow’s tongue and drove it away. Heartbroken, the old man set out to find his lost friend, traveling over mountains and valleys until he reached the Sparrow’s Inn.

There, the sparrows welcomed him warmly. Before he left, they offered him a choice between two boxes—a small one and a large one. He humbly chose the small box, which turned out to be filled with gold and treasures.

When the greedy wife saw this, she rushed to the inn and demanded the large box. But when she opened it, it was filled with monsters and snakes, and she fled in terror.

Characters and Symbolism

• Old Man: Kindness, compassion — symbolizes goodness and harmony with nature
• Old Woman: Greed, anger — symbolizes destructive desire
• Sparrow: Innocence, gratitude — symbolizes vulnerability and reward for kindness

Why Cut the Tongue? A Cultural Perspective

For modern readers, the act of cutting a tongue may seem shocking. But symbolically, it represents the silencing of innocence and the loss of voice—an emotional turning point in the story. The choice between boxes is a classic moral test in Japanese tales, reflecting Buddhist and Zen values: humility leads to reward, while greed invites punishment.

Timeless Lessons for Today

• Protecting the vulnerable is a universal virtue
• Greed leads to downfall
• Gratitude and kindness are always rewarded

This folktale resonates with modern issues like environmental care and animal welfare, making its message timeless and global.

Related Resources

• Japanese Folktale Series | Kiri53.com
• Momotaro | A Tale of Courage and Companionship
• Ministry of Education, Japan | Moral Education
• International Research Center for Japanese Studies

Conclusion: A Bridge of Stories Across Cultures

The Tongue-Cut Sparrow is more than a tale—it’s a reflection of the values Japan holds dear: kindness, humility, and gratitude. Through this story, we hope international readers can feel the warmth and wisdom of Japanese culture.

舌切り雀｜やさしさと欲の物語：海外読者のための日本昔話解説

日本の昔話が語る「心のかたち」を、海外の読者にもわかりやすく紹介します。

はじめに：日本の昔話が語る「心のかたち」

日本には、世代を超えて語り継がれてきた「昔話」が数多く存在します。これらの物語は、日本人の価値観や道徳観、自然との共生、そして人間の本質を映し出す鏡でもあります。

物語のあらすじ：舌切り雀とは？

昔々、あるところに心優しいおじいさんと、欲深いおばあさんが住んでいました。おじいさんは傷ついた雀を助けて家で世話をしますが、おばあさんは怒って雀の舌を切ってしまいます。雀は飛び去り、おじいさんは「雀のお宿」を訪ねて再会します。小さなつづらを選んだおじいさんは宝を得て帰りますが、大きなつづらを選んだおばあさんは恐ろしい目に遭います。

登場人物と象徴

• おじいさん： 優しさ・思いやり → 善意と自然との共生
• おばあさん： 欲深さ・怒り → 強欲と破壊的な感情
• 雀： 無垢・感謝 → 弱者と報恩の心

なぜ「舌を切る」のか？文化的な意味

「舌を切る」という行為は、現代の感覚ではショッキングですが、象徴的には「声＝命＝感情」を奪う行為です。物語の転換点として、倫理的な問いを投げかけています。また、「つづらを選ぶ」場面は、日本の昔話に多く見られる「選択の試練」であり、仏教的価値観（謙虚さと報い）を反映しています。

現代へのメッセージ

• 弱い存在を守ることの大切さ
• 欲に溺れることの危険性
• 感謝と報恩の心

この物語は、環境問題や動物福祉など、現代にも通じる普遍的なテーマを含んでいます。

参考リンク

• 日本昔話シリーズ一覧｜Kiri53.com
• 桃太郎｜勇気と友情の物語（英語版）
• 文部科学省｜道徳教育
• 国際日本文化研究センター｜民話と仏教思想

おわりに：物語がつなぐ心の橋

「舌切り雀」は、日本人が大切にしてきた「やさしさ」「謙虚さ」「感謝」の心が込められた物語です。海外の読者にも、日本文化の奥深さと人間の本質に触れていただけたら幸いです。