The Tale of Issun Boshi

The Tale of Issun Boshi

“The One-Inch Boy”A Japanese Fairytale for the Spirit Passport

🪡 Once upon a time, in a quiet village folded between mountains and rice fields,an old man and an old woman lived alone.They were kind, they were gentle, and they carried a wish in their hearts —a wish for a child.

“Even a tiny one,” whispered the woman.“Even smaller than my little finger,” said the man.

The gods must have been listening, for one morning, beneath the light of the tenth full moon,a baby was born — so small he could rest inside a teacup.They called him Issun Boshi — the One-Inch Boy.

Though Issun Boshi never grew taller, his heart stretched far.He was brave, clever, and full of dreams.One day, he told his parents:

“I wish to go to Kyoto, the great capital.I want to serve a noble lord and see the world.”

So his mother gave him a needle for a sword,a chopstick for an oar,and a rice bowl for a boat.

Issun Boshi set off down the river, his bowl bobbing like a blossom,his chopstick flashing in the sun.

At last he arrived in Kyoto, and found work in the house of Lord Sanjo.There, he met the lord’s daughter — a kind and graceful princess.

But not all stories are peaceful.One day, a terrible oni — a horned ogre — appeared!He roared and stomped and reached for the princess.

Issun Boshi ran forward, needle in hand.

“Back, beast!” he shouted.

The ogre laughed… until the one-inch boy leapt into his ear!He poked and stabbed and shouted until the monster fled in pain.

The princess was saved — and in his escape,the ogre dropped something small and shining…

It was a magic mallet —a treasure that could grant any wish.

The princess smiled and lifted the mallet high.

“Grow tall,” she said,“for the world should see your greatness.”

With a flash of light, Issun Boshi grew —tall and strong, just as he was in spirit.

Soon after, he married the princess.His parents came to live in the great house.And the one-inch boy who once traveled in a bowlnow ruled with kindness, courage, and joy.

🌸 Medetashi, medetashi.Happily ever after.