essay about japanese folklore momotaro

The Legend of Momotaro

Momotarô densetsu folktale.

Momotarô is a very popular hero of the Japanese folklore, whose story was presumably first put in writing during Edo period (1603-1868).

As many tales that were passed down orally during centuries, the original story was probably modified and several versions exist today.

The most frequent rendition

Once upon a time, a woman was washing laundry in the river when she saw a giant peach floating toward her. She brought it back to her husband, and when they opened it, they discovered a child, who explained being sent from Heaven to become their son. They named him Momotarô 桃太郎 ( momo meaning "peach" and Tarô being a very common name for firstborn sons in Japan).

Growing up, Momotaro became very strong, but also very lazy , and spent his days sleeping. One day, he heard that demons were living on Onigashima Island (鬼ヶ島). The villagers urged him to go fight the demons. On the way to the battle, Momotaro met and befriended three animals, a dog, a monkey  🐒 and a pheasant, that could speak human language. The group of four arrived in Onigashima where they defeated the demons.

Momotaro and his friends came back to the village after the capture of the demons’ boss, with its treasures and a large quantity of food . They then lived together happily and rich ever after.

Variation of the tale

The second part of the story is often told the same way, but according to another version of the legend, the childless woman was old. She took a bite of the giant peach, which gave her back immediately her youth and beauty. Her husband was surprised when he came back home, but after hearing her explanations, he also ate the fruit, with the same consequence.

The rejuvenated couple then gave birth to Tarô 太郎, a boy who grew up to meet his parents’ expectations: he was kind, brave, strong and friendly (the perfect role model for children ’s tales!).

Posterity of the legend

During the Second World War, Momotaro was largely used in movies and cartoons as a representation of the Japanese government, the animals being the people, and the demons the United States. Onigashima may have been a symbol of Pearl Harbor.

Nowadays, the legend is often linked to Okayama City, from which it probably originates. The demons’ island is said to be Megijima in Seto Inland Sea, near Takamatsu, a place renowned for its wide caves. Statues of demons were even carved there in reference to the tale.

The legend of Momotaro is a normal encounter in daily life in Japan:

• The children’s song Momotarō-san no Uta (1911) is frequently taught in Japanese schools.
• Inuyama City holds a "Momotaro Festival" at the eponymous shrine each year on May 5, and celebrates the hero throughout the town with Momotaro-related decorations, especially on manholes.
• A Momotaro doll is a common gift for boys on Kodomo no Hi , the children’s day on May 5.

The Japanese popular culture also took over the legend and Momotaro’s character is featured in many manga and video games:

• He appears for example in Akira Toriyama’s Dr Slump ,
• In One Piece , Wanokuni arc and Onigashima battle are direct references to the legend, including the role of the kibi dango  🍡 dumplings,
• In Hozuki no reitetsu ( Hozuki’s Coolheadedness ), Momotaro is first introduced as an opportunist and a bragger. His animal friends become zealous employees of Hell.

It is also possible that Roald Dahl’s novel, and consequently the adapted animated movie James and the Giant Peach (Henry Selick – 1996), were freely inspired from Momotaro’s tale.

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The Japanese Tale of Momotaro | Momotaro Story Summary

The japanese tale of momotaro, introduction:.

In the rich tapestry of Japanese folklore, the legend of Momotaro stands tall as a timeless tale of courage, friendship, and triumph over evil. It revolves around the extraordinary story of a boy who emerged from a giant peach and embarked on a perilous journey to confront demons plaguing the land. This captivating narrative brims with emotions, painting a vivid picture of valor, determination, and the power of unity. Let us delve into the captivating world of Momotaro and his epic battle against the malevolent forces that threatened his homeland.

The Miraculous Birth of Momotaro: A Gift from the Heavens

The tale begins in a small village, where a humble elderly couple discovers a giant peach floating down the river. As they cut open the peach, to their astonishment, a beautiful boy emerges from its core. Overwhelmed with joy and gratitude, the couple names him Momotaro, symbolizing the precious gift they received from the heavens. The emotions of wonder, excitement, and parental love abound as they raise the peach-born boy as their own.

Momotaro’s Childhood: Kindness and Bravery Shine Through

As Momotaro grows, he proves to be a kind-hearted and fearless young boy. The village embraces him, and he becomes a source of inspiration for the other children. The emotions of warmth, camaraderie, and the innocence of childhood friendships are beautifully depicted in this phase of the story. Momotaro’s charisma and natural leadership become evident as he stands up against bullies and helps those in need, earning him the affection of all who know him.

The Call to Adventure: Demons Threaten the Land

One day, as the village faces a terrible crisis, news spreads that demons have invaded the neighboring lands. The malicious creatures are wreaking havoc, stealing crops, and terrorizing the villagers. The emotions of fear, uncertainty, and a growing sense of responsibility grip Momotaro’s heart. Determined to protect his loved ones and his homeland, he resolves to confront the demons and vanquish them once and for all.

The Journey Begins: Allies Found in Unlikely Places

Momotaro sets out on his perilous journey to defeat the demons, armed only with his courage and determination. Along the way, he meets three faithful companions – a dog, a monkey, and a pheasant – each with unique abilities that complement his own. Though from different backgrounds, they forge a deep bond, and the emotions of friendship, trust, and unity come to the fore. Together, they create an unbreakable team, bound by a shared purpose and camaraderie.

Confrontation with the Demons: The Battle of Good vs. Evil

Finally, Momotaro and his loyal companions reach the demons’ stronghold. The emotions of anticipation, trepidation, and adrenaline-fueled excitement fill the air as the epic battle commences. With unwavering determination and the combined strength of his companions, Momotaro confronts the demons head-on, showcasing bravery in the face of overwhelming odds.

Victory and Redemption: The Triumph of Goodness

Through sheer grit and courage, Momotaro and his companions emerge victorious, defeating the demons and driving them out of the land. The emotions of triumph, relief, and redemption reverberate through the village as they welcome the heroes back as saviors. Momotaro’s selfless bravery and his companions’ loyalty become legendary, inspiring generations to come.

What is the Japanese story of Momotaro ?

The Japanese story of Momotaro, often referred to as “Momotaro the Peach Boy,” is a beloved and famous folktale from Japan. It revolves around the extraordinary tale of a boy who is born from a giant peach and goes on a courageous quest to confront and defeat a band of demons that are terrorizing his homeland. Here’s a summary of the story:

Once upon a time, in a small village in Japan, an elderly couple lived. They were kind and loving but longed for a child to call their own. One day, while the old woman was washing clothes in the river, she noticed a massive peach floating downstream. She was amazed and quickly retrieved the peach from the water to take home to her husband.

When the old couple cut open the peach, they were astonished to find a beautiful baby boy nestled inside. They named him Momotaro, which means “Peach Boy” in Japanese and raised him with love and care.

As Momotaro grew older, he became a strong, brave, and kind-hearted young boy, adored by everyone in the village. The village faced a crisis as demons started to appear and terrorize the land, stealing crops and causing havoc. The villagers lived in fear, unsure of how to protect themselves from the malevolent creatures.

One day, Momotaro decided to take a stand against the demons and protect his village. He told his parents about his plan to go on a journey to the island where the demons lived and defeat them. His parents were worried about his safety but knew they had to let him go.

Before leaving, Momotaro’s parents prepared provisions for his journey, including special millet dumplings called “kibi dango.” These dango were meant to give him strength and courage on his quest.

As he set out on his journey, Momotaro encountered a dog, a monkey, and a pheasant, each of whom had also suffered at the hands of the demons. They joined him on his mission, forming a loyal group of companions.

Together, Momotaro and his animal companions faced numerous challenges, including crossing treacherous seas and battling demons along the way. Momotaro’s bravery and the companions’ teamwork led them to the demon’s island.

Upon reaching the demon’s stronghold, a fierce battle ensued. With the help of his loyal companions and the power of the kibi dango, Momotaro defeated the demons, driving them away from the island and restoring peace to the land.

Upon their victorious return, the village celebrated Momotaro and his companions as heroes. The demons’ reign of terror was finally over, thanks to the bravery and determination of the Peach Boy.

The story of Momotaro symbolizes courage, bravery, and the triumph of good over evil. It is a tale that has been cherished in Japan for generations and continues to be a significant part of the country’s cultural heritage.

Who wrote the story of Momotaro ?

The story of Momotaro is part of Japanese folklore and is considered a traditional folktale rather than a work attributed to a specific author. As with many folktales, their origins are not attributed to a single writer but have been passed down orally through generations.

Momotaro’s legend has been a beloved part of Japanese culture for centuries and has been retold in various forms, including picture books, theater performances, and animated films. As with most folktales, the story of Momotaro has evolved over time with contributions from multiple storytellers, making it a cherished and enduring part of Japan’s cultural heritage.

Conclusion:

The Japanese tale of Momotaro, the boy born from a peach, and his battle with demons transcends time, captivating hearts with its profound depiction of human emotions. It serves as a powerful reminder that even the most extraordinary feats can be achieved through courage, friendship, and the unyielding determination to protect what we hold dear. The legend of Momotaro continues to resonate, a timeless beacon of hope and a testament to the indomitable human spirit.

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FAQs of Japanese Momotaro Peach Boy

Momotaro is a legendary figure in Japanese folklore. He is a boy who was born into a giant peach and raised by an elderly couple. Momotaro’s name translates to “Peach Boy” in Japanese.

The main theme of the Japanese tale of Momotaro revolves around courage, bravery, friendship, and the triumph of good over evil. Momotaro embarks on a perilous journey to defeat demons that are terrorizing his homeland, showcasing his bravery and forming strong bonds with his loyal companions.

Momotaro confronted the demons by going on a journey to their island stronghold, accompanied by three loyal animal companions: a dog, a monkey, and a pheasant. With the help of his companions and the power of special millet dumplings called “kibi dango,” Momotaro bravely battled the demons and drove them away, restoring peace to the land.

The Japanese story of Momotaro evokes a range of emotions, including wonder at his miraculous birth, excitement as he grows into a brave young boy, fear and uncertainty as demons threaten the land, warmth and camaraderie as Momotaro forms strong friendships, and triumph and relief as he emerges victorious in the battle against evil.

Yes, the story of Momotaro is a traditional folktale from Japan. It has been passed down through generations and is considered an essential part of Japanese cultural heritage. However, it is not attributed to a specific author as it is a part of oral storytelling and has evolved over time through various retellings.

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Public Relations Office, Government of Japan

Home > Highlighting JAPAN > Highlighting Japan June 2014 >Student's Corner

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Student's corner, the legend of momotaro.

Once upon a time there lived an old man and woman. The old man went up into the mountains to gather firewood, while the old woman went down to the river to wash their clothes. One day, as the woman was doing the wash, a giant peach came bobbing along in the current. She pulled the giant peach out and carried it back home. When her husband came back, they began to cut the peach open for dinner. To their surprise, there was a healthy young baby boy inside! The couple had no children, so they were overjoyed to have a baby to call their own. They named him Momotaro, which means "Peach Boy." Momotaro quickly grew up into a strong young lad. Around that time, some nasty ogres started harassing the village. One day, Momotaro told his parents he would go to the ogres' island and get rid of them for good. His mother fixed him some tasty millet dumplings, called kibi-dango , for his journey. Along the way, Momotaro met a dog. "Momotaro, where are you going?" "I'm going to the ogres' island, to stop them for good." "What's that tied to your belt?" "It's a pouch full of the finest dumplings in Japan." "Please give me one. I'll help you on your quest." The dog received a dumpling and accompanied Momotaro. Before long, the pair met a monkey. "Momotaro, where are you going?" "I'm going to the ogres' island, to stop them for good." "What's that tied to your belt?" "It's a pouch full of the finest dumplings in Japan." "Please give me one. I'll help you on your quest." And so he did. Then they met a pheasant. "Momotaro, where are you going?" "I'm going to the ogres' island, to stop them for good." "What's that tied to your belt?" "It's a pouch full of the finest dumplings in Japan." "Please give me one. I'll help you on your quest." The pheasant gratefully received a dumpling and joined the group. With dog, monkey and pheasant companions at his side, Momotaro finally reached the ogres' island. The ogres were in the middle of merrymaking. They had piled up the food and treasures they stole from nearby villages and were having a party. "Attack the fiends!" Momotaro shouted. The dog bit the ogres' bottoms, the monkey jumped onto their backs and scratched, and the pheasant pecked at their eyes. Momotaro, brandishing his sword, charged into the lot. Finally the ogre chief threw up his hands and said, "Enough, enough! We give up!" Momotaro, the dog, the monkey and the pheasant collected the treasures and returned triumphantly to the village. His mother and father were delighted to see that Momotaro had returned safely. The three lived happily ever after.

The home of the Momotaro legend

Okayama Prefecture in western Honshu is well known as the birthplace of the Momotaro legend. Kibitsuhiko Shrine and Kibitsu Shrine are dedicated to Kibitsu-hiko-no-mikoto, a legendary prince on whom Momotaro is supposedly based. The millet dumplings ( kibi-dango ) that Momotaro brought on his quest are sold everywhere in Okayama as a regional specialty. A statue of Momotaro and his companions stands proudly in front of Okayama Station, so why not pretend you're one of his traveling companions and snap a photo with them?

No article or any part there of may be reproduced without the express permission of the Cabinet Office. Copyright inquiries should be made through this form .

© 2009 Cabinet Office, Government of Japan

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© Chitose Yamada Background music: "Momotaro"

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„Momotarô (The Peach Boy) and the Spirit of Japan: Concerning the Function of a Fairy Tale in Japanese Nationalism of the Early Shôwa Age”. In: Asian Folklore Studies, vol. 50, 1991: 155-188.

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The Tale of Momotaro, the Peach Boy

Long ago, in a village in Japan, there lived an elderly couple who longed for a child. One day, while the old woman was washing clothes by the river, she found a giant peach floating downstream. Astonished by its size, she took the peach home to share with her husband.

As they were about to cut the peach, it split open, and to their amazement, a baby boy emerged from within! They named him Momotaro, which means Peach Boy, and raised him as their own son. Momotaro grew up to be a strong and courageous young boy, with a kind heart and a determined spirit.

One day, the village was threatened by a band of ogres known as Oni, who raided and terrorized the land. Determined to help his village and rid the land of the Oni, Momotaro embarked on a brave quest. He decided to journey to Onigashima, the ogres’ island stronghold, and defeat them.

Before leaving, Momotaro’s adoptive parents gifted him kibi dango, special millet dumplings they had made for him. As he ventured forth, Momotaro encountered three animals—a dog, a monkey, and a pheasant—each of whom expressed a desire to aid him in his quest.

With the help of his new animal friends, Momotaro bravely faced numerous challenges on his journey to Onigashima. They encountered and defeated the Oni, using their teamwork and Momotaro’s courage to prevail.

Upon their victorious return to the village, Momotaro was celebrated as a hero. His bravery and kindness had saved the land from the tyranny of the Oni. From that day forward, Momotaro and his animal companions lived happily, revered for their valor and unity.

The tale of Momotaro, the Peach Boy, is cherished in Japanese folklore for its themes of bravery, cooperation, and the triumph of good over evil. It teaches the importance of courage, friendship, and using one’s strengths to overcome adversity.

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