Issun Boshi: The One Inch Boy
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Tiny and brave—these are the two most striking characteristics of Issun Bôshi. 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 Bôshi, Japanese for one-inch boy.
Although his parents raised him very lovingly, Issun Bôshi 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 equipment: a needle was his sword, a soup bowl was his boat, and a chopstick was its rudder.
As in any proper fairy tale, Issun Bôshi is tested in several adventures. He handles himself so bravely that, in the end, he is rewarded with just the right princess.
Author/Artist/Designer
Mayumi Otero, Raphael UrwillerPages
40
Dimensions
21.8 x 33.8cm (8.5 x 13.3in)
ISBN
9783899557183
Age
5+
Colour
Orange
Product code
167161
Book Format
Hardback
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Japan: Myths to Manga
This exhibition took an exciting and atmospheric trip through Japanese history – exploring how landscape and folklore have influenced Japan's culture, technology and design.