Japanese Folktale Series

【Japanese Folklore】Funa Yurei: The Boat Spirits Seeking a Ladle

Discover the chilling tale of Funa Yurei, Japanese ship ghosts that sink boats with a ladle. Learn the folklore, cultural meaning, and how to survive this maritime horror.

2025.11.24

Japanese Folktale Series

Jigoku no Abaremono (The Rampage in Hell): A Tale of Japanese Craftsmanship Even in the Afterlife

Discover "Jigoku no Abaremono," a hilarious Japanese folktale where a doctor, priest, and acrobat outwit the King of Hell. Explore the cultural meaning of Japanese Hell and Rakugo humor.

2025.11.23

Japanese Folktale Series

There is a story passed down in Japan, often told on rainy nights or during the humid heat of summer. It is not merely a ghost story intended to scare, but a tale of “love” that persists even after death. Today, I will introduce the legendary folktale known across Japan, particularly in Kyoto, as “The Child-Rearing Ghost” (Kosodate Yurei). While the word “ghost” may evoke fear, by the time you finish reading this story, you will likely feel a distinct warmth in your heart.

Discover the legend of the Child-Rearing Ghost (Kosodate Yurei). A poignant Japanese folktale from Kyoto about a mother's love that defied death to save her baby. Read the full story and cultural analysis here.

2025.11.22

Japanese Folktale Series

Walking along the ancient roads of Japan, you may occasionally come across weathered stone monuments or old, decaying shrines. These are not merely ruins; they are fragments of memories where people once confronted “something beyond human understanding.”

Discover the thrilling Japanese folktale of "Sarugami Taiji" (Shippeitaro). A story of a brave dog, a terrifying monkey god, and the legend of human sacrifice in ancient Japan. Read the full analysis.

2025.11.21

Japanese Folktale Series

[Japanese Folktale] Azukitogi: The Mystery of the Bean Washer

Discover the eerie tale of Azukitogi, the Japanese Yokai who washes beans by the river. Explore the story, cultural analysis, and the mystery behind the "Shoki Shoki" sound in this deep dive into Japanese folklore.

2025.11.20

Japanese Folktale Series

Winter in Japan is a season of breathtaking beauty, but also of ruthless severity. Buried deep within the snowy mountain villages lie stories of silence and sorrow. Today, I would like to introduce a Japanese folktale that symbolizes the deep “compassion” and “love” found in the Japanese soul: “The Tale of the Futon” (also known as “Futon Kabuse” or “The Poor Birds”). This story may differ from the happy-ending fairytales you are used to. However, within it lies the true essence of Japan.

Discover the heartbreaking Japanese folktale "The Tale of the Futon." A story of poverty, sibling love, and transformation into birds that reveals the deep spirituality and history of Japan.

2025.11.19

Japanese Folktale Series

Introduction: Horror and Humor, Two Sides of the Same Coin

Discover "Yurei no Sakamori," a unique Japanese folktale where horror meets humor. Learn how an old man's love for sake turned a scary encounter with ghosts into a friendly banquet. Deep dive into Japanese culture and spirits.

2025.11.18

Japanese Folktale Series

[Japanese Folktale] The Mystery of the Char: A Desperate Cry from the River Guardian

Discover the haunting Japanese folktale "Iwana no Kai" (The Mystery of the Char). A story about a giant fish, a mysterious monk, and the consequences of greed in the deep mountains of Japan. Explore the cultural meaning behind this legend.

2025.11.17

Japanese Folktale Series

Greed Leads to Ruin: The Mysterious Voice from the Edo Moat, “Oiteke-bori”

Discover "Oiteke-bori" (The Leave-It-Behind Moat), a chilling Japanese folktale from the Seven Wonders of Honjo, Tokyo. Learn the cultural lesson about greed hidden in this terrifying Yokai story.

2025.11.16

Japanese Folktale Series

Outwitting a Monster with a Single Word: The Japanese Trickster Tale of “Tanokyu”

Discover "Tanokyu," a Japanese folktale about an actor who outwits a giant serpent by pretending to be a Tanuki (raccoon dog). Explore its meaning, the role of the Tanuki in Japanese culture, and the art of the "trickster tale."

2025.11.15

Japanese Folktale Series