Japanese Folktale Series

Japanese Folktale Series

[Japanese Folktale] The Miracle of New Year’s Eve: “The Fire of the Great Year (Ōtoshi no Hi)”

Discover the mystical Japanese folktale "Ōtoshi no Hi" (The Fire of the Great Year). Learn about Toshigami, New Year's Eve traditions, and the cultural lesson of changing destiny through wisdom.
2026.01.02
Japanese Folktale Series
Japanese Folktale Series

Introduction: The Legend of Timekeeping Animals

Discover the legend behind the Japanese Zodiac (Juunishi). A tale of a great race, a cunning rat, a diligent ox, and why the cat is missing. Explore the cultural meaning behind the animals.
2025.12.31
Japanese Folktale Series
Japanese Folktale Series

[Japanese Legend] Zashiki Warashi: The Innocent Spirit Bringing Fortune and Ruin

Discover the legend of Zashiki Warashi, the child spirit of Iwate that brings immense wealth and ruin. Explore the deep cultural meaning behind this famous Japanese Yokai and its connection to household prosperity.
2025.12.30
Japanese Folktale Series
Japanese Folktale Series

[Japanese Folktale] Toshigami-sama: The Story of the Visiting New Year God

Discover the Japanese folktale of Toshigami-sama, the New Year God. Learn why Japanese people decorate with Kadomatsu and the deep meaning behind Otoshidama and Kagami Mochi. A guide to Japanese spirituality.
2025.12.29
Japanese Folktale Series
Japanese Folktale Series

Introduction: Laughter Echoing in the Silence

Discover the touching Japanese folktale "The Children and the Yakushi Buddha." A story about a muddy statue, innocent children, and the true meaning of faith in Japanese culture.
2025.12.27
Japanese Folktale Series
Japanese Folktale Series

【Japanese Folktale】The Tragedy of Tarot-maru: Why Was the Faithful Dog Killed by His Master?

Discover the tragic Japanese folktale of Taro-maru, the faithful dog who saved his master from a giant serpent even after death. A deep dive into Matagi culture and the bond between man and beast.
2025.12.25
Japanese Folktale Series
Japanese Folktale Series

Introduction: The Tale of a Fox Who Longed for the Sky

Discover the Japanese folktale "The Fox Who Flew" (Sora wo Tonda Kitsune). A touching story of a Kitsune named Gin who challenges the sky. Explore the cultural meaning of transformation and finding one's true place.
2025.12.23
Japanese Folktale Series
Japanese Folktale Series

The Wolf and the Daughter: The Legend of the Wolf’s Eyelashes

Discover the Japanese folktale "The Wolf and the Daughter" (The Wolf's Eyelashes). Unlike Western myths, the Japanese Wolf is a god. Learn about "Honne" and hidden truths in this deep cultural analysis.
2025.12.22
Japanese Folktale Series
Japanese Folktale Series

Hidden within the silence of the Japanese countryside lies a mysterious story where humor and faith intersect. Today, I am introducing the tale of “Nise Honzon” (The Counterfeit Buddha). This is not merely a funny story. It is a very Japanese fable that blends the “form of faith” held by Japanese people with their familiarity with the natural world.

Discover the hilarious Japanese folktale "Nise Honzon" (The Counterfeit Buddha). A shapeshifting Tanuki tricks a hunter by posing as a statue. Explore the cultural meaning of Tanuki and Buddhism in Japan.
2025.12.21
Japanese Folktale Series
Japanese Folktale Series

The Tragic Love of the Willow Spirit: The Story of “Oryu Willow”

Discover the hauntingly beautiful Japanese folktale of "Oryu Willow" (Green Willow). Explore the tragic romance between a samurai and a tree spirit, and uncover the deep cultural roots of Japanese Animism and nature worship.
2025.12.20
Japanese Folktale Series
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