Telling Stories
Marin Greener (she/her)
Editorial Team Member
A wide variety of stories are told to children in Japan, the country I visited during my junior year of high school. These children’s stories can teach kids valuable lessons in both the United States and Japan. In Japan, children are told classic folktales called mukashi banashi, or “stories of a long time ago.” Many of these folktales also have elderly characters, and the stories have been passed down through generations.
The story of Momotaro, the Peach Boy, is a popular and treasured legend. The story follows Momotaro, born from a giant peach and taken in by a childless elderly couple living in a quiet village. When noble Momotaro reaches adolescence he learns about the oni, ogres, that live on Demons island and cause trouble for villagers. He travels there on a quest to restore peace and gains three loyal companions: a dog, a monkey, and a peasant. They join Momotaro on his journey after he gives them millet dumplings his adoptive mother prepared for him. Finally, they use teamwork to defeat the ogres in a battle and save the village. Not only does this story engage children in an interesting and fun adventure, but it also describes how virtue and teamwork can help one succeed. The legend largely promotes cultural values such as persistence and working with others to demonstrate good triumphing over evil. Momotaro is somewhat similar to Paul Bunyan of American folklore. I grew up hearing about Paul Bunyan, a giant lumberjack who goes on adventures to help others with his blue ox, Babe. Both Momotaro and Paul try to help others in their community and triumph over challenges. Additionally, they also work with animals and friendly companions to emphasize teamwork’s importance to children.
Another Japanese children’s story is the Legend of Namahage, a child-snatching demon. To drive women-stealing Namahage demons out of their town, villagers made a deal that the demons would have to build a stone staircase overnight or leave for good if they failed. However, one villager made the sound of a rooster crowing before the staircase was finished and tricked the Namahage that they failed. They left the village and were not seen again, except for New Year when they “threaten children.” This monster is used by tired parents to scare children into behaving, or else they could be taken by a Namahage. The Namahage Festival and story is a local tradition in Oga, a town in Japan. On New Years, two or three people dress up as the demons and travel door-to-door asking parents how they want their children to behave better in the New Year. They write down feedback in their “naughty or nice” book and are appeased when a household gives them sake and mochi. This story teaches children from Oga about morals and how to behave. Children who are scared of the demons learn to listen to their parents or elders and be on their best behavior. They also learn about hard work because the namahage targets lazy children. In the United States, Santa Claus at Christmas is a similar, much less terrifying, children’s figure. I grew up learning that he is an elderly man who makes children’s toys with his elves. If I was good throughout the year he would bring me these toys, but if I was naughty he would give me coal. Both the Namahage and Santa keep a list of who behaves to teach children about accountability for their behavior. They also have consequences for kids who aren’t obedient and respectful.
Overall, both Japanese and American stories are important in teaching children cultural values. It was interesting to compare the culture of a new country I visited to that of my own—even when it comes to children’s stories. These folktales can teach the importance of persistence, teamwork, good behavior, responsibility, and hard work for all.
