Here, beautifully illustrated and presented in both English and Japanese, are 12 of the best Japanese folktales — shared with generation after generation of Japanese children. These charming tales engage your imagination as you’re carried on turtle-back rides, brought to the underwater palace of the dragon princess, and discover a temple with a "tea kettle" that is really a cunning badger in disguise.
These stories are all richly illustrated, with 98 full-page color illustrations by two of Japan's foremost children's books illustrators. Executed with great skill and imagination, they bring to life the charming characters of these heartwarming tales of old Japan.
The tales were originally written in English by author Yuri Yasuda based on her interpretations of traditional Japanese stories. Here they are fully bilingual — each one accompanied by Japanese text. The Japanese text includes basic kanji and furigana to help learners begin to recognize the characters. Japanese Myths, Legends and Folktales is accessible to both young English and Japanese audiences, as well as language learners who wish to enhance their abilities. This multicultural children’s book will entertain, inspire, and educate in equal measure.
About the Authors
Yuri Yasuda is a graduate of the English Department, International School of the Sacred Heart, Tokyo. Since childhood she has written stories for her own amusement, and she began to tell folk and fairy tales to her two sons and two daughters as soon as they were able to understand the words. In the midst of a busy family life, she finds time to write as well as take part in the civic life of her community.
Yumi Matsunari is a professional translator and interpreter living in Fukui, Japan. She studied English in Cambridge, translation in London and textile design in Kyoto. Yumi enjoys singing, traveling and scuba diving. Among her works are Circus Day in Japan and Japanese Made Easy, both available from Tuttle Publishing. She read the folk tales in this book as a child and enjoys reading them now with her two young sons.
Yumi Yamaguchi is a translator living in Tokyo, Japan. She has a B.A. in French and continued her language study in San Diego, California, where she stayed for seven years. She is a proud mother of Luna.
Industry Reviews
"The tales told in this book...are now retold here by Mrs. Yasuda with exquisiteness...They will be, I am sure, read by Western children with the same delight and the thrill as by the children of this country." -Shinzo Koizumi, Advisor for the Education of the Crown Prince of Japan
"With her extraordinary command of English and great love of children, no one could have been better suited for the work than Mrs. Yasuda, and I know lovers of fairy tales all over the world...will welcome her contribution to their collection." -Mrs. Takakichi Aso, Daughter of Mr. Shigeru Yoshida, former Prime Minister of Japan
"In these delightful folk stories as told by the gifted author Yuri Yasuda, there are revealed for our better understanding the old traditions and customs, the aspirations and innermost feelings of the Japanese." -Dr. Francis B. Sayer, former U.S. Undersecretary of State
"These old tales of Japan, charmingly recounted, especially for children...are just as significant to grown ups...I hope many children of other nations will read these well-told tales." -Mrs. Joseph C. Grew, Wife of former American Ambassador to Japan
"Here are old Japanese tales translated and delightfully retold for English-speaking children by Mrs. Yasuda...They will all find their way into the hearts of a new generation of children." -Elizabeth Gray Vining, former tutor to the Crown Prince of Japan
"These are charming tales, most skillfully rendered. I recommend them warmly to children of all ages and congratulate Mrs. Yasuda on her mastery of the English language, so gracefully displayed in this volume." -Lady Gascoigne, Wife of former British Ambassador to Japan
"The old tales of Japan translated by Mrs. Yasuda bring back many endearing memories of childhood to each and all of us in Japan. I hope that these tales we love may be shared and enjoyed by our little friends of other countries." -Her Imperial Highness Princess Chichibu
"Japanese Myths, Legends & Folktales is a beautifully illustrated bilingual (Japanese/English) compendium of 12 authentic Japanese folktales...Certain to be an enduringly popular and entertaining addition to family, school, and community library Folklore/Fairytale, as well as Bilingual collections for young readers ages 5-14." -Midwest Book Review
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