Popular Japanese Legends

Japanese legends are more than just traditional stories or myths.

Passed down from generation to generation, these carry a certain amount of historical value, having been based on actual events in the past. Of course, these are handed down by earlier generations with a special purpose: so that future generations can learn from the moral lessons that these stories carry.

Some morals that can be picked up by reading or listening to these legends are the value of being a man for others (taught by “Bamboo Hats and a Rice Cake”), taking credit only for what one deserves or has worked for (taught by “The Badger and the Magic Fan”), the Golden Rule of “Do unto others what you want others to do unto you” (taught by “Tanuki Magic Tea Kettle”), and the idea of never judging on initial impressions (taught by “The One-Inch Boy”).

Other Japanese legends include “Kato Sayemon”, “The Snow Bride”, The Goddess of Mt. Fuji”, “Lady White and Lady Yellow”, and many more.