Issun Bôshi

Tiny and brave—these are the two most striking characteristics of Issun Bo^shi. his mother had longed to have a child for so many years that she finally added “even if it is a very small one” to her wish. when the elderly couple did in fact bear a son, he turned out to be only one inch high. he was thus called Issun Bo^shi, Japanese for one-inch boy. although his parents raised him very lovingly, Issun Bo^shi realized one day that he would not grow any taller. he then left his home to set off on a journey to find his place in the world. Because he saw himself as a swordfighter, a samurai, he made sure to take along the right equip- ment: a needle was his sword, a soup bowl was his boat, and a chopstick was its rudder. as in any proper fairy tale, Issun Bo^shi is tested in several adventures. he handles himself so bravely that, in the end, he is rewarded with just the right princess.