Issun Boshi
Issun Boshi told by Tristan Jackson Pate
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Story
Issun-boshi is a small boy who never grows bigger. When he wants to leave home to seek his fortune, he sets off down river in a boat made out of his mother’s rice bowl with a sword his father makes him from a needle. He gets a job in a big house and is given the job of protecting his master’s daughter. When out with the girl one day an ‘oni’ (Japanese ogre) threatens to kidnap her and when Issun-boshi threatens him with his sword the ogre swallows the boy. Undeterred Issun-boshi stabs the ogre from inside and is coughed back up again. The ogre flees – leaving behind his magic hammer which will grant any wish.
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Why we chose it
The story is a famous legend from Japan and is still very popular there. Issun-boshi is small but he shows enormous courage and self-confidence.