Issun Boshi

The one-inch boy is the subject of a fairy tale from Japan. The story has been told in various forms around the world.

The story is about an old woman and man that live alone. The old woman wishes to have a child, despite her old age, and wishes that she could have a child, even if he is only one inch tall. Soon after, the old woman's wish is granted. The child, despite being incredibly short, is treated well by his parents. One day, the boy realizes he will never grow taller than one inch, so he goes on a trip to the city. There, he petitions for a job with the government in the city and meets an attractive princess. He is scorned for his height, but nevertheless given the job of accompanying the princess. While they travel together, they are suddenly attacked by a demon. The boy defeats the demon using a needle, and the demon drops the Mallet of Luck. As a reward for his bravery, the princess uses the power of the mallet to grow him to full size.
 

Bunbuku Chagama  is a Japanese folk tale about a raccoon-dog, or tanuki, that uses its shapeshifting powers to reward its rescuer for his kindness.

Bunbuku Chagama roughly translates to "happiness bubbling over like a tea pot." The story tells of a poor man who finds a tanuki caught in a trap. Feeling sorry for the animal, he sets it free. That night, the tanuki comes to the poor man's house to thank him for his kindness. The tanuki transforms itself into a chagama and tells the man to sell him for money.

The man sells the tanuki teapot to a monk, who brings it home and, after scrubbing it harshly, sets it over the fire to boil water. Unable to stand the heat, the tanuki teapot sprouts legs and, in its half-transformed state, makes a run for it.

The tanuki returns to the poor man with another idea. The man would set up a 'roadside attraction' (a little circus-like setup) and charge admission for people to see a teapot walking a tightrope. The plan works, and each gains something good from the other--the man is no longer poor and the tanuki has a new friend and home.
 

Momotaro    Kintaro   Urashima Taro   Tamamo no Mae  Shita kiri Suzume  Kiyohime

Bancho Sarayashiki  Yotsuya Kaidan  Kachi kachi Yama  Hanasaka Jiisan  Kamishibai

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