Japanese Tales and Legends

The secret of the great interest in Japan's cultural heritage lies in the special appeal of Japanese philosophy and way of life. The texts of Japanese legends and tales are imbued with folk wisdom, customs, and traditions. Japanese culture and folklore are gaining more and more admirers in our time. The legends and tales of Japan amaze with their wisdom and originality and are interesting to different generations. The seven guardians of happiness—long life, wealth, food, talents, glory, love, and contentment—travel through the pages of the book, introducing readers to Japanese philosophy. Other characters in the book—animals, demons, and ordinary Japanese people—enrich the fairy-tale world of Japanese tales and legends. This collection was prepared by the famous American folklorist William Elliot Griffis (1843–1928), who spent much time in Japan as a missionary and teacher. For his educational activities, Griffis was twice awarded the Order of the Rising Sun by the Japanese government.