Cover of Japanese Fairy Tales by Yei Theodora Ozaki Ebook Japanese Fairy Tales
Ebook · Sovereign

Japanese Fairy Tales

Author
Yei Theodora Ozaki
Series
Children's Classics
Language
English
Length
180 pages
ISBN
9781910660270
Published
15 December 2014
Imprint
Sovereign
  • folklore
  • traditional tales
  • Japanese culture
  • moral lessons
  • mythical creatures
  • oral storytelling
  • enchanted worlds
  • nature spirits
  • animal fables
  • timeless legends

Description

Japanese Fairy Tales by Yei Theodora Ozaki is a beloved collection of enchanting stories drawn from centuries-old Japanese folklore. It features timeless tales of magical creatures, brave heroes, loyal animals, and vengeful spirits—among them “The Tongue-Cut Sparrow,” “The Story of Urashima Taro,” and “The Crab and the Monkey.” Ozaki’s lyrical retellings, adapted for Western audiences while preserving their cultural essence, brim with moral lessons, whimsy, and wonder. Rich in symbolism and tradition, the stories reflect Shinto and Buddhist influences, nature reverence, and the balance between kindness and retribution. Illustrated with delicate art, this collection remains a classic introduction to Japan’s storytelling heritage, captivating readers of all ages with its charm, elegance, and enduring magic.

Author

Yei Theodora Ozaki (1870–1932) was a Japanese translator who brought fairy tales and short stories into lively English for Western readers. Her versions are free rather than literal, and that freedom helped them travel: Japanese Fairy Tales was reprinted for decades after her death. Ozaki opened a door onto wonder, humour, and moral surprise in stories that might otherwise have stayed locked in another language.

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