The Wonder of Taketori no Okina: Unveiling Japan’s Oldest Legend
Japan is a country where history and mythology are woven seamlessly into the landscape. Among its myriad of folktales, one story stands above the rest as the “ancestor of all romances.” This is the Taketori Monogatari (The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter), centering on the mysterious Taketori no Okina (The Old Bamboo Cutter) and his discovery of a glowing child. Often cited by scholars as a proto-science fiction story involving extraterrestrial beings, this 10th-century narrative continues to captivate travelers and culture enthusiasts alike.
Origins of the Ancestor Tale
The Taketori Monogatari dates back to the late 9th or early 10th century, making it the oldest surviving fictional prose narrative in the Japanese language. While the specific author remains unknown, literary historians speculate it was written by a member of the court aristocracy or a highly educated monk.
The story is crucial to Japanese literature because it marks the transition from oral tradition to written kana script. In the famous Genji Monogatari (The Tale of Genji), written in the 11th century, the story of the Bamboo Cutter is famously referred to as “the ancestor of all romances.” It blends elements of pre-existing oral folklore with a sophisticated narrative structure that was revolutionary for its time.
The Legend: A Gift from the Moon
The story begins with Taketori no Okina, an old man who makes a living cutting bamboo in the mountains. One day, he encounters a stalk of bamboo glowing with a mysterious light. Upon cutting it open, he discovers a tiny girl, no larger than a thumb, nestled inside. Believing her to be a divine gift, he takes her home to his wife. They name her Kaguya-hime (Princess Kaguya).
From that day forward, every time the old man cuts bamboo, he finds gold inside the stalks, making the family incredibly wealthy. Meanwhile, Kaguya-hime grows at a miraculous rate into a woman of unparalleled beauty. Her fame spreads throughout the land, attracting five noble suitors and eventually the Emperor himself.
However, Kaguya-hime refuses to marry. To deter the suitors, she assigns them impossible tasks—quests to find legendary items like the Stone Bowl of Buddha or a Jeweled Branch from Mount Penglai. All five men fail, some through deception and others through tragedy.
Eventually, Kaguya-hime reveals the heartbreaking truth to her adoptive father: she is not of this world but a being from the Moon Capital (Tsuki-no-Miyako), sent to Earth for protection (or punishment, depending on the version). On the night of the full harvest moon, a celestial procession descends to take her back. Despite the Emperor’s guards surrounding the house, they are helpless against the celestial beings. Kaguya dons a robe of feathers (hagoromo), erasing her memories of Earth, and ascends to the moon, leaving behind a heartbroken Taketori no Okina and an Elixir of Immortality for the Emperor.
Modern Culture and Legacy
The “Wonder of Taketori no Okina” pervades modern Japanese culture. The most famous recent adaptation is Studio Ghibli’s masterpiece The Tale of the Princess Kaguya (2013), directed by Isao Takahata. The film emphasizes the emotional bond between the old bamboo cutter and his daughter, highlighting the sorrow of their inevitable separation.
Beyond film, references to the tale appear in anime like Sailor Moon and Naruto, and the story is intrinsically linked to Tsukimi (Moon Viewing) festivals held in autumn. The concept of the “Moon Rabbit” pounding rice cakes is also deeply entwined with the folklore surrounding Kaguya-hime.
Traveler’s Tips: Walking in the Footsteps of the Legend
For travelers seeking the physical roots of this ethereal tale, there are several locations in Japan that claim a connection to Taketori no Okina.
1. Fuji City, Shizuoka Prefecture
In the legend, the Emperor, distraught by Kaguya’s departure, orders the Elixir of Immortality to be burned at the peak of the mountain closest to heaven. The word for immortality (fushi) became the name of the mountain: Mount Fuji. Visitors can explore the Taketori Monogatari Museum in Fuji City to see dioramas and historical texts related to the legend.
2. Koryo Town, Nara Prefecture
Many scholars believe the setting of the story is actually in Nara, the ancient capital. Kaguya-hime no Sato (Princess Kaguya’s Village) in Koryo Town features the Taketori Park, a lovely spot for families, and shrines dedicated to the bamboo cutter.
3. Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, Kyoto
While not the specific historical setting, the towering Bamboo Grove in Arashiyama offers the most atmospheric experience. Walking through the emerald stalks as sunlight filters through creates the perfect environment to imagine stumbling upon a glowing shoot, just as the old Taketori no Okina did over a millennium ago.
Sources & Further Reading
To deepen your understanding of Japanese folklore and history, consider consulting the following texts:
- Taketori Monogatari (The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter): Various English translations are available, including those by Donald Keene.
- The Kojiki (Records of Ancient Matters): For context on Japan’s creation myths and early deities.
- The Nihon Shoki (The Chronicles of Japan): Provides historical context for the era in which the tale was likely penned.
- Man’yoshu: The oldest collection of Japanese poetry, which contains early references to the mystique of the moon and bamboo.