Tales from the World - Japan

The extraordinarily strong Golden Boy wrestles Bear, rescues a wild boar and trains with Lord Raiko’s warriors.

A boy born from a peach sails to Onigashima with Dog, Monkey and Pheasant to recover the villages’ stolen treasure.

The fearless warrior Fujiwara Hidesato helps the Dragon King defeat a giant centipede and receives magical gifts.

A rescued crane returns in human form to repay kindness, asking only that her privacy be respected.

A rescued tanuki transforms into a remarkable tea kettle and helps a poor man build a happier life.

Mouse parents ask Sun, Cloud, Wind and Wall for the strongest husband, then a cat’s paw settles the question.

A kind couple and their faithful dog Shiro receive wondrous blessings that a greedy neighbour repeatedly tries to steal.

Tiny Issun-boshi sails to Kyoto in a rice bowl, fights an oni with a needle and finds a wishing mallet.

A cheerful old man follows his lost rice ball underground and receives an unexpected welcome from mice.

A poor elderly couple give their unsold straw hats to six snow-covered Jizo statues on New Year’s Eve.

A poor man follows divine advice and patiently exchanges a single straw until his life is transformed.

A mysterious girl found inside glowing bamboo grows into Princess Kaguya and must eventually return to the Moon.

A mischievous temple apprentice enters a mountain witch’s house and escapes using three protective charms.

A gentle old man searches for his beloved sparrow after his greedy wife treats it cruelly.

A kind fisherman visits the Dragon Palace beneath the sea and returns to find that centuries have passed.