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by Yuka Morii
Clay sculpture
One-inch warrior of Naniwa who navigated the river in a rice bowl and earned court renown with a sewing needle.
One of Japan's best-known folktales, Issunboushi ("The One-Inch Boy") tells the story of a boy born in Osaka who was only one sun (about 3 cm) tall. Traveling to the capital in a rice bowl that floated down the river, he eventually defeated an oni and was rewarded with an important position at court. Similar legends are found throughout Japan.
One of Japan's best-known folktales, Issunboushi ("The One-Inch Boy") tells the story of a boy born in Osaka who was only one sun (about 3 cm) tall. Traveling to the capital in a rice bowl that floated down the river, he eventually defeated an oni and was rewarded with an important position at court. Similar legends are found throughout Japan.