作品Free Graded Reading
金太郎Kintaro
Kintarō
by 楠山 正雄 · Kusuyama Masao
A classic tale of a super-strong boy who befriends forest animals.
What you'll learn
What you'll learnKintaro, a supernaturally strong boy living in the mountains, defeats a bear and gathers animal followers. He plays sumo with them and shares rice balls as rewards.
Kintaro uses his super strength to make a bridge from a large tree, impressing a woodcutter who turns out to be the retainer Usui no Sadamitsu. Sadamitsu offers to take Kintaro to the capital to become a samurai for Minamoto no Yorimitsu, which Kintaro and his mother accept.
Key vocabulary
Key vocabulary| 金太郎 (きんたろう) | Kintaro (the main character's name) |
|---|---|
| 山うば (やまうば) | mountain witch (Kintaro's mother) |
| まさかり | broad axe (traditional Japanese axe) |
| 家来 (けらい) | retainer, follower |
| 四天王 (してんのう) | Four Heavenly Kings (title for four retainers of Minamoto no Yorimitsu) |
Grammar points you'll meet
Grammar points you'll meet- ～てしまう N4Indicates completion or regret. Used here as 'ended up doing' or 'completely did'.金太郎はおしまいにじれったくなって、からだを一振りうんと振りますと、うさぎも猿も鹿も熊もみんないっぺんにごろごろ、ごろごろ土俵の外にころげ出してしまいました。
- ～と言って N5Used to quote speech. Means 'said that...' or 'saying...'.熊は目を光らせながら、「だれだ、おれの森をあらすのは。」と言って、とびかかって来ました。
- ～てあげる N4Do something for someone (benefactive). Used when giving a favor.「どうぞわたくしも御家来にして下さい。」と言いました。金太郎は、「よし、よし。」とうなずいて、みんな家来にしてやりました。
Cultural notes
Cultural notes- Kintaro: The Strong BoyKintaro is a beloved figure in Japanese folklore, often depicted as a supernaturally strong child with a red face and carrying a large axe. His story is a classic example of a 'hero's journey' from rural origins to a prestigious position in the capital.
- The Four Heavenly Kings (Shitennou)The Four Heavenly Kings (Shitennou) were a group of legendary retainers who served Minamoto no Yorimitsu, a famous general of the Heian period. Each was known for their martial prowess and loyalty, and they appear in many tales and legends.
Try a comprehension question
Try a comprehension questionWhat does Kintaro do after defeating the bear?
- He runs away
- He makes the bear his retainer
- He eats the bear
- He ignores the bear
Sensei's reading tip
Sensei's reading tipFocus on the repetitive structure of the story: Kintaro demonstrates strength, meets animals, fights, and then moves on. This repetition helps reinforce vocabulary.
Read a sample in Japanese
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