Folktales Of Japan
on Goodreads (24)
What’s inside...
Folktales of Japan is a collection of captivating stories that have been passed down through generations, reflecting the values, traditions, and beliefs of the Japanese people. These tales are rich in cultural significance and moral lessons, and include a variety of characters such as clever animals, mythical creatures, brave warriors, and benevolent spirits. Each story is beautifully narrated, providing readers with a glimpse of traditional Japan and its timeless wisdom through vivid characters and captivating plots. Additionally, the collection highlights the deep sense of tradition and sensitivity to nature inherent in Japanese folklore, with stories like that of Hagamuchi, who saves his village from a tsunami, the little monk boy facing off against a mountain witch, and Momotaro, the peach boy, battling ogres threatening his village.
Discussion points
What was your favorite folktale in the book and why?
How do the characters' choices in the stories teach us about right and wrong?
What similarities and differences do you see between the tales in this book and other stories you know?
If you could meet one character from the book, who would it be and what would you ask them?
How do you think the lessons in these folktales can be applied in our everyday lives?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to imagine themselves in the various settings of the tales, enhancing their understanding and making the stories more relatable. Discuss the moral lessons in each folktale and connect them to real-life scenarios your child might encounter, fostering a deeper understanding of the themes. Use the book as an opportunity to explore Japanese culture, discussing any cultural differences and similarities, which enriches their global perspective. Lastly, be open to your child's interpretations of the stories; this helps develop their analytical skills and boosts their confidence in expressing their thoughts.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of kindness
Explanation: Many folktales in the book depict characters who perform acts of kindness towards others, often facing challenges but emerging successful because of their good deeds.
Real-World Application: Children learn to value kindness and see its positive impacts, encouraging them to perform kind acts in their daily interactions with friends and family.
Example Lesson: Respect for nature
Explanation: Several stories emphasize characters who care for their environment, showcasing the harmony between humans and nature.
Real-World Application: Instills an early respect for nature in children, teaching them to care for plants, animals, and the environment around them.
Example Lesson: The consequences of greed
Explanation: Tales often feature protagonists who suffer or create suffering because of their greed, learning valuable lessons by the story’s end.
Real-World Application: Helps children understand the negative outcomes of being greedy and encourages them to share and value what they have.
Example Lesson: Importance of perseverance
Explanation: Characters in the stories frequently face difficult tasks that they overcome through persistence and courage.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of not giving up when faced with difficult tasks or situations, applying this persistence to their schoolwork and personal challenges.
Example Lesson: Resolving conflicts
Explanation: Many stories involve conflicts that are resolved through wisdom and understanding, rather than force or deception.
Real-World Application: Teaches children effective and peaceful ways to handle disagreements, promoting understanding and problem solving in real-life conflicts.