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The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter: A Japanese Folktale
Paperback
Series: Japanese Folktales Retold
Chapter BooksFairy Tales & Folklore
Publisher: Independently Published
Published: Jan 29 2026
Pages: 32
Weight: 0.13
Height: 0.07 Width: 6.00 Depth: 9.00
Language: English
The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter, also known as the story of Princess Kaguya, is one of Japan's oldest and most beloved folktales.
Deep in a quiet bamboo grove, an old bamboo cutter discovers a glowing stalk. Inside, he finds a tiny child made of light. He and his wife raise her as their own, watching her grow into a gentle and graceful girl who is deeply loved, yet always quietly different from everyone around her.
As visitors arrive seeking her hand, she gives them impossible tasks. Not out of cruelty, but because she carries a truth they do not yet understand.
Her time on Earth is limited.
When the moon comes to take her home, the story becomes a moving reflection on love, gratitude, and the beauty of things that cannot last forever.
This thoughtful retelling stays close to the original Japanese tale, using clear and accessible language for modern readers. At around 30 pages, it is a short and meaningful read, perfect for ages 9 to 12, classroom use, and family sharing.
A timeless Japanese folktale about Princess Kaguya, love, and letting go.
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