Japanese Myths, Legends & Folktales

Japanese Myths, Legends & Folktales: A Bilingual Journey Through Japan’s Timeless Tales

Embark on a captivating journey with Japanese Myths, Legends & Folktales—a beautifully illustrated bilingual collection of Japan’s most beloved stories. This edition presents 12 classic tales in both English and Japanese, making it perfect for classrooms, libraries, and families looking to introduce children to Japanese culture while supporting language learning.

The classic folktales include:

• The Tongue-Cut Sparrow
• The Peach Boy
• The Strong Boy
• The Marriage of a Mouse
• The Fisherman and the Tortoise
• The Luminous Princess
• The Kachi Kachi Mountain
• The Old Men with Wens
• The Old Man Who Made Trees Blossom
• The One-Inch Boy
• The Lucky Cauldron
• The Monkey and Crab Fight

Each story, retold by author Yuri Yasuda and richly illustrated with 98 vibrant color illustrations by two of Japan’s leading children’s book artists, brings to life the whimsical characters and timeless wisdom of Japanese folklore. Presented in English alongside Japanese text with furigana, this collection is ideal for young Japanese language learners and cultural explorers alike.

Whether it’s the magical turtle-back ride to the underwater palace of the dragon princess or the adventures of a “tea kettle” that’s actually a mischievous badger, these stories are designed to spark imagination and curiosity, while fostering language skills and a deeper appreciation of Japanese culture.