Japanese Folktale Series

Japanese Folktale Series

【Japanese Folktale Series】A Warning to the Greedy Neighbor: What the Japanese Folktale ‘Saru Jizo’ Reveals about the Japanese Spirit

Explore the Japanese folktale 'Saru Jizo' (The Monkey Jizo). Discover how the story of an honest man and his greedy neighbor reveals core Japanese values: the triumph of selflessness, the importance of purity, and a deep reverence for nature and deities. A must-read for Japan culture enthusiasts.
Japanese Folktale Series

Chikarataro: The Mud-Born Hero & The Japanese Spirit of Strength and Nature

Explore the Japanese folktale of Chikarataro, the boy born from mud with superhuman strength. A deep dive into the tale's connection to Japanese animism, the spirit of Wa (harmony), and the philosophy of wielding great power for the public good.
Japanese Folktale Series

The Dragon’s Abyss (Ryu no Fuchi): A Deep Warning Awakened by Human Greed

Dive into "The Dragon's Abyss" (Ryu no Fuchi), a powerful Japanese folktale about two brothers, hidden treasure, and a wooden dragon brought to life by human malice. Explore its lessons on Ryūjin (Dragon God) reverence, the principle of "Taru wo Shiru" (knowing when enough is enough), and the profound connection between nature and ethics in Japanese culture.
Japanese Folktale Series

Ushiwakamaru: The Genesis of a Japanese Legend – The Story of the Tengu and Benkei | Japanese Folktale Series

Dive deep into the story of Ushiwakamaru, the boyhood of tragic hero Minamoto no Yoshitsune. Discover his secret training with the Kurama Tengu, his famous duel with Benkei, and the cultural roots of 'Hogan Biiki' (sympathy for the underdog) in Japanese culture.
Japanese Folktale Series

The Secret Dream That Forged a Destiny: Wisdom and Culture in the Japanese Folktale “Hatsuyume Choja”

A detailed introduction to the Japanese folktale 'Hatsuyume Choja' (The New Year's Dream Millionaire), deeply analyzing its themes of secrecy, the spirit of 'Wa' (harmony), and practical success philosophy for an international audience.
Japanese Folktale Series

Japanese Folktale Series: Obasute Yama (The Mountain Where the Aged Were Abandoned) – Love and the Power of Wisdom

A deep dive into the classic Japanese folktale 'Obasute Yama' (The Mountain Where the Aged Were Abandoned), exploring the themes of filial piety, the value of elderly wisdom, and their connection to Japanese culture for international readers.
Japanese Folktale Series

Can You Hear It? The Voices of Animals: “Kikimimizukin” and the Japanese Spirit of Coexistence with Nature | Japanese Folktale Series

A thorough analysis of the Japanese folktale 'Kikimimizukin' (The Listening Cap), revealing the Japanese view of nature, animism, and the culture of 'Ongaishi' (returning a favor). We introduce the deep-rooted 'Yaoyorozu no Kami' (Eight Million Gods) spirit to international readers, offering lessons for modern society.
Japanese Folktale Series

Unraveling the Sea’s Secret: The Universal Lesson of the Japanese Folktale ‘Shio Fuki Usu’ (The Tide-Churning Mill)

Why is the sea salty? This age-old question is answered by the Japanese folktale 'Shio Fuki Usu.' We analyze the contrast between the greedy brother and the honest brother to explore core Japanese cultural values like 'the spirit of non-attachment' and 'harmony with nature.' What universal lessons do these sea tales convey today?
Japanese Folktale Series

【The Depth of Japanese Folktales】’The Sparrow, the Woodpecker, and the Turtle Dove’ Teaches Japanese Society and the Birds’ Wisdom

Introducing the Japanese folktale 'The Sparrow, the Woodpecker, and the Turtle Dove,' this article explores the underlying Japanese ethics of 'Wa' (harmony), 'cooperation,' and 'sincerity.' A deep dive into the wisdom of coexistence with nature and crisis management, relating it to modern-day issues.
Japanese Folktale Series

Japanese Folktale Series: A Tale of Wisdom and Fortune – The Rich Man Tanishi (Tanishi Choja)

The full story of 'Tanishi Choja' and a deep dive into the Japanese cultural values of 'Hoon-Kansha' (Gratitude) and 'Coexistence with Nature' embedded in the tale, perfect for international readers. Discover the meaning behind this classic Japanese folktale.