One Japanese old story is 'Momotaro'. It is about a boy named Momotaro who was born from a large peach. He decided to go on an adventure to defeat the demons on the island of Onigashima. He was joined by a dog, a monkey and a pheasant. Together they fought bravely against the demons and finally returned home victorious, often seen as a story about courage and teamwork.
Often, they involve a strong sense of loyalty. In many old Japanese love stories, the characters are loyal to their partners even in difficult situations. For example, in some tales, a lover might wait for years for their beloved to return. Another characteristic is the connection to nature. The settings are usually in beautiful natural landscapes, like gardens or by rivers, which enhance the romantic mood. Also, there is a certain level of formality in expressing love, different from more direct Western expressions. It might be through carefully chosen words in poetry or the exchange of symbolic gifts.
Genji is a very important figure in old Japanese stories. He is often depicted as a complex and charming character. Genji's story is full of love, court politics, and cultural elements of that era.
One famous old Japanese love story is 'The Tale of Genji'. It was written by Murasaki Shikibu in the 11th century. It mainly focuses on the life and loves of Prince Genji. Genji had many romantic relationships with different women, from his first love with Fujitsubo to his later affairs. The story also gives a detailed view of the Heian period's court life, including the elaborate ceremonies, clothing, and social hierarchies. It is considered a masterpiece of Japanese literature and provides a deep understanding of love and relationships in the context of Japanese culture at that time.
I'm not sure which specific 'the old sailor Japanese story' you mean. There could be many Japanese stories involving old sailors. Some might be about their adventures at sea, like facing storms or encountering mysterious sea creatures.
They reflect Japanese values such as loyalty, as seen in the stories where characters stay true to their friends or family. In 'The Crane Wife', the man's initial kindness towards the crane is an example of the value placed on benevolence. Moreover, the hierarchical structure of society can be seen in some stories. The roles of different characters, whether they are peasants or nobles, are often clearly defined, mirroring the social order in traditional Japanese society. These folk stories are like a window into the soul of Japanese culture.
Japanese old stories have influenced modern Japanese society in various ways. For example, they are often used in educational settings to teach children about values like loyalty, courage, and kindness. The characters in these stories serve as role models.