Issun Boshi - A Japanese Fairy Tale About a Brave Boy

Brief Description: This Japanese fairy tale tells the story of Issun Boshi, a boy who was only one inch tall. Despite his tiny size, he displayed incredible bravery and became a true hero, proving that size does not matter, but the strength of spirit does.

In a distant village lived an elderly couple. They had no children and prayed to the gods every day, hoping to be blessed with a child. One day, their wish was granted—they had a son, but he was tiny, only one inch tall. Despite this, they loved him with all their hearts and named him Issun Boshi.

Years passed, but Issun Boshi did not grow. One day, as the boy grew older, he said to his parents:

— Mom, Dad, I want to travel to the capital to find my place in this world. I am too small to work in the village, but I can be useful in the big city.

The mother looked at him worriedly:

— You are so tiny. How will you manage the journey? The world outside is not safe.

But the father placed his hand on her shoulder:

— Our son is brave and smart. We must let him go.

The parents gave Issun a tiny sword made from a needle and a bowl that served as his boat. They wished him good luck, and the boy set off on his journey.

When he arrived in the capital, he saw the large house of a noble lord. Approaching the gates, Issun Boshi politely asked:

— Please, take me into your house. I am ready to serve you honestly and faithfully.

The lord laughed upon seeing the tiny boy, but his daughter, the princess, said:

— Father, he seems so kind and brave. Let’s give him a chance.

Thus, Issun Boshi began to serve in the lord’s house. His small size did not hinder him from performing his duties, and his courage and cleverness earned him the respect of everyone in the household.

One day, the princess went for a walk in the forest and took Issun with her. Suddenly, a huge demon jumped out from the thicket. Its eyes blazed, and its voice boomed:

— Ha-ha-ha! Now you are mine, girl! — growled the demon, stretching its long arms toward the princess.

The princess screamed, but Issun Boshi did not hesitate. He drew his needle-sword and shouted:

— Demon! Leave her alone, or you’ll have to deal with me!

The demon laughed:

— What will you do, tiny one? You are smaller than my palm!

But Issun Boshi was quick. He jumped onto the demon’s hand, then onto its face, and began poking its nose and eyes with his needle. The demon roared in pain and tried to shake the boy off, but Issun was too fast.

Finally, the demon fled, dropping its magical hammer. Issun Boshi picked it up and returned to the princess. She was amazed:

— You saved me, Issun Boshi! This hammer is said to grant wishes. What would you like to wish for?

Issun thought for a moment and said:

— I wish to become the size of an ordinary person so I can be even more useful and protect those I care about.

The princess took the hammer and cast a spell. Issun Boshi grew to a normal height but remained just as kind and brave.

Returning home, he became a true hero. His name was passed down from generation to generation as an example that size does not matter when you have courage and a good heart.

Moral of the Story:

This tale teaches that courage and determination can overcome any difficulty. Even if you are small, your actions can be great.

Questions for Discussion:

• Why did Issun Boshi decide to travel to the capital?
• What qualities allowed him to earn the lord’s respect?
• What helped Issun defeat the demon and change his fate?