Japanese Fairy Tales

"Japanese Fairy Tales" by Grace James is a compilation of age-old Japanese stories, rich with themes of love, right and wrong, and magical happenings, giving readers a peek into Japanese customs and myths. The book starts with stories like the one about Tomodata, a respected samurai, and the beautiful Green Willow, whose love affair brings about big changes in their lives. The opening tale focuses on Tomodata, a samurai on a difficult journey for his master, who gets distracted when he falls for Green Willow. Their strong but short-lived connection makes Tomodata forget his mission, highlighting how powerful love can overwhelm duty and cause significant consequences. The stories draw a touching picture of love and the sadness that comes with it, preparing the reader for the other captivating stories in the collection.