ひよりげたThe Straw Sandals

What you'll learn

On a clear night after rain, a mother tanuki living under a bush behind Jōfuku-in temple tries to teach her baby tanuki how to shape-shift. The baby is reluctant and keeps nursing. When the mother transforms into a monk, the baby is scared and doesn't recognize her. Despite efforts, the baby fails to learn and eventually falls asleep.

Key vocabulary

Grammar points you'll meet

• ～ている N5Indicates an ongoing action or state.
  こどもの　たぬきが　いる。
• ～てしまう N4Expresses completion of an action, often with a sense of regret or finality.
  ぼうやの　たぬきは、もう　目を　あいて　しまいました。
• ～ようと思う N4Indicates intention to do something.
  おかあさんだぬきは　こんや　こどもの　たぬきに、ばける　ことを　おしえようと　おもって、あなの　そとへ　でて　きました。
• ～たい N5Expresses desire to do something.
  「お月さんに　ばけたいの。」
• ～てもいい N5Indicates permission (may do something).
  「さあ、もう　いっぺん　おめめを　とじて、ぼうや、とう　かぞえなさい。とう　かぞえたら　目を　あけても　いいよ。」

Cultural notes

• Tanuki in Japanese FolkloreTanuki (raccoon dogs) are legendary shape-shifters in Japanese folklore. They are often depicted as playful and mischievous, capable of transforming into humans or objects. This story highlights the traditional belief that tanuki can learn to transform, and the mother tanuki teaching her child reflects the passing down of this magical skill.
• Jōfuku-in TempleJōfuku-in (常福院) is a fictional temple name that sounds authentic. Temples are common settings in Japanese folk tales, often associated with spirits and magic. The bamboo grove behind the temple is a typical setting for supernatural encounters.

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Topics

Short Storychildrenfolklorefamilytransformationheartwarmingnostalgicaozora bunko