#JapaneseMythology

The Mud-Stained Guardians: What “Taue Jizo” Reveals About Japanese Labor and Faith

Discover the Japanese folktale "Taue Jizo." Read the full story and a deep analysis of why Jizo statues helped with rice planting, exploring Japan's sacred view of labor, rice culture, and deep-rooted faith.

2025.11.14

Japanese Folktale Series

Japanese folktales often feature beings that transcend human common sense, posing deep questions to us. The story we are introducing today, “Tanishi Choja” (The Mud Snail Millionaire), is a particularly unique tale.

Discover "Tanishi Choja," the miraculous Japanese folktale where a mud snail marries a wealthy daughter. We analyze the story, its ties to Kannon Buddhist faith, and the deep lessons on not judging by appearances.

2025.11.11

Japanese Folktale Series

Kitsune Nyobo (The Fox Wife): The Wife He Loved Was a Fox.

In Japanese folklore, there is a genre known as "Irui Konintan" (異類婚姻譚), which translates to "tales of interspecies marr...

2025.11.05

Japanese Folktale Series

🌩️【Japanese Folktale Series】The Only Place the Thunder God Won’t Strike: The Japanese Folktale “Rai-sama and the Mulberry Tree” Teaches Coexistence with Nature and Faith

Discover the Japanese folktale "Rai-sama and the Mulberry Tree" (雷様と桑の木). Learn why the Thunder God promised never to strike a mulberry field, exploring Japanese culture, animism, and the origin of the "Kuwabara" chant. A deep dive into faith and nature.

2025.10.30

Japanese Folktale Series

The Magic of “Kotaro and the Mother Dragon”: A Tale of Nature, Sacrifice, and Maternal Love in Japan

Explore the Japanese folktale "Kotaro and the Mother Dragon," a story of a mother's ultimate sacrifice to bring water to her village by transforming into a Dragon God. Uncover its connections to Japanese culture, the "Culture of Weirs," and the deep reverence for nature in Nagano's Azumino region. A must-read for fans of mythology and cultural history.

2025.10.29

Japanese Folktale Series

Kaminagahime: The Japanese Folktale of the Long-Haired Princess and the Secrets of Black Hair Culture

Unravel the ancient Japanese folktale of Kaminagahime (The Long-Haired Princess), a story of sacrifice, divine grace, and the black hair that led a commoner to become an Empress. Explore its connection to the Buddhist Dojoji Temple and the deep cultural significance of kurokami (black hair) in Japan.

2025.10.24

Japanese Folktale Series

The Japanese Humor and Spirit of Tolerance: The Tale of Shojoji no Tanukibayashi (The Badger-Dog’s Drumming at Shojo-ji Temple)

Explore 'Shojoji no Tanukibayashi,' a classic Japanese folktale. Learn how an eccentric monk teaches a profound lesson on compassion, cultural acceptance, and the uniquely Japanese spirit of 'Wa' (Harmony) through a drumming contest with mischievous Tanuki.

2025.10.21

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

【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