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The Legends of Tono

Manga: Kujiraba Author: Kunio Yanagita Editor: Masami Ishii

These are no mere fairy tales, but tales of truth.

Yuki-onna, Zashiki-warashi, Tengu, Kappa, Okunai-sama—these are some of the various folk beliefs and legends recorded in "The Legends of Tono," a collection of folklore from the Tono region. The stories were narrated by Kizen Sasaki, a native of the Tono area, transcribed by Kunio Yanagita, and published after extensive local research.
This work, which condenses Japanese views on life, death, and nature, is also called "the origin of Japanese folklore studies." This daring comic adaptation intertwines and revives four supernatural tales: "Oshira-sama," "Kappa," "Fox," and "Futtachi," for a modern audience.

Price:
1,320JPY (1,200JPY + VAT)
Release:
Sep 20, 2024
Format:
A5
ISBN:
9784046059277

ABOUT THE ORIGINAL BOOK

The Legends of Tonoの書影

The Legends of Tono

A must-read story to understand the origins of Japanese folklore studies. Tono, located in Iwate Prefecture, is a small, isolated world surrounded by mountains, and a treasure trove of folk traditions. It includes legends and mysterious tales about Tengu, Kappa, and mountain rituals, as well as accounts of sightings of the Japanese wolf and ways of mourning the dead. This pinnacle of Japanese folklore studies conveys the rich nature and lifestyle of people in ancient Japan.
(from KADOKAWA Official website)

Kunio Yanagita

Born in 1875 in Hyogo Prefecture. After graduating from the Faculty of Law at Tokyo Imperial University, he joined the Ministry of Agriculture and Commerce, serving in various positions including Councilor of the Legislative Bureau and Chief Secretary of the House of Peers. In 1935, he established the Association of Folklore, founding Japanese folklore studies. He passed away in 1962.
Source: Portraits of Modern Japanese Historical Figures (https://www.ndl.go.jp/portrait/datas/6076/)

PRAISES

* ABC order

  • Robert Campbell
    | University Professor, Researcher in Japanese Literature

    In the gently blurred scene before me, I see clear boundaries between different elements. The legs of a fox, the eyes of a girl, and the fresh scent of the forest seem to rise from the artwork.
    I find myself wishing to get lost in this forest, embraced by its gentle mystery.