Folktales from the Japanese Countryside
Hiroko Fujita and Fran Stallings
ISBN:
1-59158-488-4
ISBN-13:
978-1-59158-488-9
236 pages
Libraries Unlimited
Publication:
11/30/2007
Availability:
In Stock
Media Type:
Hardcover
Trim Size:
7 x 10
Subjects:
Reviews:
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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
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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
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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
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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:
From one of Japan's most popular and respected storytellers, this collection introduces readers to more than 40 wonderous tales from rural Japan—many 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. 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.
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.
Title Features:
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.
Table of Contents:
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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
About the Author:
Hiroko Fujita an ohanashi obaasan (storytelling granny) in the traditional folk style. She is considered a 'national living treasure' by the Japan Folktale Society. She is a Lecturer at Kindergartner Training School, Kashiwa, Chiba-Ken, a Kindergarten instructor, a counselor, as well as a popular storyteller at libraries and schools throughout Japan and the world. She has an international reputation as a storyteller and author, having written several multi-volume collections of her tales in Japanese. Favorite Stories of Hiroko Fujita (Prairie Fire) is an English-language translation of the tales she has told on her American tours.
Fran Stallings, editor, is a professional storyteller who has performed internationally, an education consultant, freelance author, and singer/songwriter. She has edited another collection by Hiroko, has contributed stories to several collections, and she has published numerous articles in storytelling journals.
LCC Class:
398
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