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Folktales from the Japanese Countryside
Book Code: LU4884
ISBN: 1-59158-488-4
ISBN-13: 978-1-59158-488-9
236 pages, photos
Libraries Unlimited
Publication: 11/30/2007
List Price: $40.00 (UK Sterling Price: £22.95)
Availability: In Stock
Media Type: Hardcover
Trim Size: 7 x 10
Subjects:
Series Title: World Folklore Series
Reviews:
  • Storytellers should find much here which will be fun to use. Fran has done an impeccable job of producing scholarly tale notes for the stories, giving Japanese Ikeda numbers as well as Stith Thompson Motif numbers. Fran discusses the tale motifs and Hiroko comments on the tale, placing it in cultural context. The book also includes games, crafts, recipes, and a chapter on storytelling in Japan today by Mikki Sakurai, president of The Japan Storyteller's Association. Though there are many Japanese folktale collections on our shelves, this is the first one directly from the mouth of a practicing teller with a background in traditional lore. Don't miss this one!
    —In The Wind
    Spring 2008
  • This volume, really a collaboration of four experts, contains an excellent collection of authentic tales, color photos, interesting drawings, and background information. Along with its companions, this volume is an excellent source for "tellable" tales when authentic cultural perspectives are needed....Bottom line: Highly recommended for both elementary and secondary library collections.
    —Teacher Librarian
    April 2008
  • So often when I pick up a book of folktales from a specific geographic location I discover I already have many of the tales in other collections. Looking through the tales in this book I found only one tale I already had, and that one was a distinct variation. Given I possess twelve folktale collections from Japan in my library this was a delightful change.
    —Storylines
    Spring 2008
  • A lovely, hardbound edition that contains more than the stories: it has a brief history of Japan and a discussion of storytelling in Japan, and it also includes recipes (including ones for Mochi and Botamochi), games, and crafts, and notes on each story in the book. This book is a wonderful resource that will enrich the repertoire of any storyteller as well as providing information for scholars of Japanese folk traditions. Parents and grandparents will find wonderful short stories to learn and tell to their children. This book is a bargain at $40. The binding and paper is very high quality, and the contents are priceless!
    —Storytell
    2008
Description: As in many countries, storytelling is a revered art in Japan, and traditional tales have been carefully preserved for centuries. Yet only a small portion of Japan's tales has been shared with English-speaking audiences. From one of Japan's most popular and respected storytellers, this collection introduces readers to more than 40 wondrous tales from rural Japan--stories that have not previously been seen or heard--from animal tales and tales of supernatural beings to stories about village characters and priests and their apprentices.
These are tales from the Japanese countryside, representative of the country's rich folklore, and preserved and retold by a "ohanashi obaasan" (storytelling granny). You'll find such stories as "Sky Watcher," "Mouse Teeth," "Owl's Paintshop," "Radish Bath," and "Snow Woman's Baby." Tales are organized into broad thematic categories-animal tales, stories of village people, priests and their apprentices, strange happenings, yamanbas, and supernatural tales. It's a fascinating assortment that will delight young listeners, intrigue older readers, and offer scholars new insights. Background on the country and Japanese culture, notes on the tales, a glossary, recipes, games and crafts, and color photos and illustrations enhance the collection. All levels.
Table of Contents:
  • Preface
  • A Brief History of Japan by Harold Wright
  • Storytelling in Japan by Miki Sakurai
  • About These Stories
  • Part I: Stories of Animals
  • Part II: Stories of Village People
  • Part III: Stories of Priests and Apprentices
  • Part IV: Stories of Strange Happenings
  • Part V: Stories of Yamanbas
  • Part VI: Stories of Supernatural Creatures
  • Foods, Games, and Crafts
  • Comments and Notes
  • Guide to Words in This Book
  • Bibliography
  • Index
  • About the Editor and Contributors
LC Card Number: 2007017727
LCC Class: GR340
Dewey Class: 398
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