Folktales from the Japanese Countryside

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.

Auteur

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.