#JapaneseFolktale

【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.

2025.10.19

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.

2025.10.18

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.

2025.10.17

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.

2025.10.16

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.

2025.10.13

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.

2025.10.11

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.

2025.10.10

Japanese Folktale Series

Exploring the Japanese Heart: The Folktale “Tenpuku Chifuku” and the Philosophy of “Toku” (Virtue)

Dive into "Tenpuku Chifuku" (Heaven's/Earth's Luck). We analyze why the greedy man's treasure turned to bees while the honest man received gold from the sky, linking the tale to the core Japanese value of Toku (Virtue) and the power of honesty.

2025.10.09

Japanese Folktale Series

Japanese Folktales: “Buying a Dream” – Seize Your Destiny and Overcome Adversity

Explore the deep meaning of the Japanese folktale "Yume o Kau." A poor merchant's decision to buy a dream leads to immense success through belief and Gaman (perseverance). Discover how this story reflects core Japanese cultural values like integrity and the spiritual significance of dreams.

2025.10.08

Japanese Folktale Series

The Tale of “Hiotoko” (Hyottoko): A Japanese Folktale Weaving Faith and Humor – The God of the Hearth

Discover the Japanese folktale of Hiotoko (Hyottoko), the hilarious mask that became the God of the Hearth. Explore the culture of Kamado worship, the power of laughter, and the lesson of greed vs. honesty in Japanese tradition.

2025.10.05

Japanese Folktale Series