Japanese Myths, Legends & Folktales - by Yuri Yasuda Hardcover

About the Book

This beautifully illustrated volume contains 12 of the best Japanese folk tales, presented in both English and Japanese. The Japanese versions of each tale include simple kanji with "furigana" pronunciations to help learners recognize the characters. Full color..

Book Synopsis

Japanese Myths, Legends & Folktales: A Bilingual Journey Through Japan's Timeless Tales

Embark on a captivating journey withJapanese Myths, Legends & Folktales--a beautifully illustrated bilingual collection of Japan's most beloved stories. This edition presents 12 classic tales in both English and Japanese, making it perfect for classrooms, libraries, and families looking to introduce children to Japanese culture while supporting language learning.

The classic folktales include:

• The Tongue-Cut Sparrow
• The Peach Boy
• The Strong Boy
• The Marriage of a Mouse
• The Fisherman and the Tortoise
• The Luminous Princess
• The Kachi Kachi Mountain
• The Old Men with Wens
• The Old Man Who Made Trees Blossom
• The One-Inch Boy
• The Lucky Cauldron
• The Monkey and Crab Fight

Each story, retold by author Yuri Yasuda and richly illustrated with 98 vibrant color illustrations by two of Japan's leading children's book artists, brings to life the whimsical characters and timeless wisdom of Japanese folklore. Presented in English alongside Japanese text with furigana, this collection is ideal for young Japanese language learners and cultural explorers alike.

Whether it's the magical turtle-back ride to the underwater palace of the dragon princess or the adventures of a "tea kettle" that's actually a mischievous badger, these stories are designed to spark imagination and curiosity, while fostering language skills and a deeper appreciation of Japanese culture.

Review Quotes

"The tales told in this book...are now retold here by Mrs. Yasuda with exquisiteness...They will be, I am sure, read by Western children with the same delight and the thrill as by the children of this country." --Shinzo Koizumi, Advisor for the Education of the Crown Prince of Japan

"Japanese Myths, Legends & Folktales is a beautifully illustrated bilingual (Japanese/English) compendium of 12 authentic Japanese folktales...Certain to be an enduringly popular and entertaining addition to family, school, and community library Folklore/Fairytale, as well as Bilingual collections for young readers ages 5-14." --Midwest Book Review

"Here are old Japanese tales translated and delightfully retold for English-speaking children by Mrs. Yasuda...They will all find their way into the hearts of a new generation of children." --Elizabeth Gray Vining, former tutor to the Crown Prince of Japan.

"In these delightful folk stories as told by the gifted author Yuri Yasuda, there are revealed for our better understanding the old traditions and customs, the aspirations and innermost feelings of the Japanese." --Dr. Francis B. Sayer, former U.S. Undersecretary of State

"The old tales of Japan translated by Mrs. Yasuda bring back many endearing memories of childhood to each and all of us in Japan. I hope that these tales we love may be shared and enjoyed by our little friends of other countries." --Her Imperial Highness Princess Chichibu

"These are charming tales, most skillfully rendered. I recommend them warmly to children of all ages and congratulate Mrs. Yasuda on her mastery of the English language, so gracefully displayed in this volume." --Lady Gascoigne, Wife of former British Ambassador to Japan

"These old tales of Japan, charmingly recounted, especially for children...are just as significant to grown ups...I hope many children of other nations will read these well-told tales." --Mrs. Joseph C. Grew, Wife of former American Ambassador to Japan

"With her extraordinary command of English and great love of children, no one could have been better suited for the work than Mrs. Yasuda, and I know lovers of fairy tales all over the world...will welcome her contribution to their collection." --Mrs. Takakichi Aso, Daughter of Mr. Shigeru Yoshida, former Prime Minister of Japan

About the Author

Yuri Yasuda is a graduate of the English Department, International School of the Sacred Heart, Tokyo. Since childhood she has written stories for her own amusement, and she began to tell folk and fairy tales to her two sons and two daughters as soon as they were able to understand the words. In the midst of a busy family life, she finds time to write as well as take part in the civic life of her community.