Issun-bōshi (一寸法師)
The Inch-High Samurai
Once upon a time, there was a kind elderly couple who longed for a child of their own. They prayed at a shrine, asking for a child no matter how small. Their wish was granted, and a son was born to them - a tiny boy no bigger than a fingertip. They named him Issun-bōshi, and despite his size, he grew up to be a wise and respected young man.
One fine day, Issun-bōshi announced to his parents his desire to venture into the city and make his fortune. Although concerned, his parents had faith in him and equipped him with a sword crafted from a sewing needle, a sheath made of straw, and a boat fashioned from a rice bowl with a chopstick serving as an oar. Issun-bōshi embarked on his journey, strolling along until he stumbled upon a river that led to the town. Placing his rice bowl in the water, he paddled tirelessly with the chopstick for countless days until he finally arrived at his destination.
Issun-bōshi wandered around the town until he stumbled upon the grand mansion of the lord. Standing at the gate, he declared, "I've come to this city to work and train. Please, I humbly request to become your servant." However, due to his small stature, the guard failed to notice him. "I'm right here, I'm right here!" Issun-bōshi shouted. Finally, the guard spotted him and lifted him up from the shadow of his Japanese sandals. Issun-bōshi was granted permission to meet the lord, and as he knelt in the palm of the lord's hand, he bowed and pledged his loyalty. The lord immediately took a liking to Issun-bōshi and appointed him as a retainer. Everyone in the mansion quickly grew fond of the clever and charming Issun-bōshi, especially the lord's daughter. In no time, he became her personal attendant.
One day, the princess decided to take Issun-bōshi to the Kiyomizu temple to pay her respects. On the way, two ogres appeared out of nowhere and blocked their path. Issun-bōshi bravely drew his sword and attacked the ogres. However, one of the ogres swallowed him whole. In a surprising turn of events, Issun-bōshi fought back from inside the ogre's stomach, causing it so much pain that it spat him out. He then climbed onto the other ogre's eyebrow and stabbed its eye. The ogres, defeated and in pain, ran away, leaving behind a magic hammer.
The princess grabbed the hammer and declared, "With this, whatever you desire - be it money or rice - shall be granted." Issun-bōshi responded, "I have no interest in money or rice. My only wish is to grow to my full size." The princess nodded and swung the hammer, chanting.
In a blink of an eye, Issun-bōshi transformed into a fully-grown, attractive warrior. He wedded the princess and, along with his parents, they lived joyfully for the rest of their days.
Source: Wikipedia, retrieved 06/20/2024; shared under Creative Commons
Japan Folklore Blogspot, retrieved 06/20/2024
Japanese American National Museum @YouTube, retrieved 06/20/2024
Issunboshi