Good moral Japanese stories often feature nature. For example, in many stories, animals play important roles, like in 'The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter' where a princess from the moon is found inside a bamboo stalk and is surrounded by nature. This shows the Japanese respect for nature and its connection to human life.
They are concise. Good short moral stories can convey a profound message in just a few lines or paragraphs. For example, 'The Tortoise and the Hare' is very short but clearly shows that slow and steady wins the race.
They often have simple characters, like an animal or a common person. For example, in the story of the lion and the mouse, a tiny mouse helps a big lion. This simplicity makes it easy for people to understand.
Good moral bedtime stories are relatable. 'Goldilocks and the Three Bears' is relatable as it's about a girl exploring a house that doesn't belong to her, something kids might be curious about. And the moral about respecting others' property is taught through this familiar - feeling situation.
They often have simple yet memorable characters. For example, in 'The Little Red Hen', the hard - working hen and the lazy animals are easy to remember. This helps in driving home the moral of the importance of hard work.
Japanese stories also have a unique aesthetic. They can be very delicate in their descriptions, whether it's about the beauty of a kimono or the elegance of a tea ceremony. This aesthetic is reflected in the language used and the overall mood of the stories.
Characteristics include having a single, clear moral. In 'The Little Red Hen', the moral of doing your own work instead of relying on others is very straightforward. The stories also tend to have a small number of characters to keep it simple. They are designed to make the reader think about their own behavior or values. For example, in 'The Giving Tree', it makes us consider selfless giving and the nature of relationships. These stories can be passed down easily because of their simplicity and powerful message.
In 'Momotaro', the moral is about the power of friendship. Momotaro couldn't have defeated the oni without the help of his animal friends. It shows that working together can achieve great things. In 'Kintaro', the lesson is about living in harmony with nature. Kintaro's friendship with the animals in the mountains shows that we should respect and protect nature.
The story of 'The Crane Wife' teaches us about the danger of greed. The man in the story becomes greedy for more and more beautiful cloth, which ultimately leads to the loss of his wife. It warns us to be content with what we have. Also, in 'Issun - Boshi', the tiny boy's bravery in the face of difficulties shows that size doesn't matter when it comes to courage. It encourages kids to be brave no matter how small or weak they may seem.
One good moral Japanese story is 'The Crane Wife'. In this story, a poor man saves a crane. Later, a woman comes to his life and uses her own feathers to weave beautiful cloth which they can sell for a good price. But when the man breaks his promise not to watch her weave, she has to leave. It teaches about the importance of trust and respecting others' boundaries.
Good Japanese novels often have a deep exploration of human nature. For example, in many of Haruki Murakami's works, the characters are constantly searching for meaning in their lives, which reflects the universal human pursuit.