Japan’s long history has always been intertwined with a wealth of ancient mythology and folklore. These stories not only make a fascinating read, they also open the door to give you an understanding of the origins of Japanese culture. When I was pregnant last year, I picked up a copy of Issun Boshi: One Inch Boy by Icinori – an adaptation of the classic Japanese fairy tale. I thoroughly enjoyed the story and illustrations, and knew immediately that this book would go into the collection of stories I would read with my little one someday. Now that he’s here, busily chewing the book instead of reading, I thought I’d share this delightful story with you.
Issun Boshi: The One-Inch Boy by Icinori
This beloved Japanese folktale tells the story of Issun Boshi一寸法師, a boy born to elderly parents who had always hoped of having a child. However, Issun Boshi was not a normal boy, he was a mere one-inch tall, but made up for his tiny stature with his exceptional courage and strong-will. When Issun Boshi realized he would not grow any taller, he accepted his fate and journeyed to far-off lands to seek his place in the world. With a needle as his samurai sword, and a rice bowl for a boat with a pair of chopsticks as a rudder, he sought out adventure testing the limits of his wit and resourcefulness. With striking illustrations and a distinctive stylized graphic, this picture book will capture your imagination, taking you back to old-time Japan, cheering for this tiny samurai along his journey. With enduring characters and a universal theme of believing in oneself even if you look different or are at a disadvantage, it is a wonderful book to read together with your young children. I can’t recommend this book highly enough.
Have You Grabbed a Copy of Issun Boshi?
Do you have any Japanese children stories or folktales that you enjoy? We’d love to hear in the comments below. I will be back soon to share more of my favorites too.
