Ancient tales and folklore of Japan

Traveller and naturalist Richard Gordon Smith journeyed in Japan, where he recorded ancient Japanese myths and legends in his 'voluminous illustrated diaries'.

The result is a fascinating collection of Japanese historical legends and folktales.

Nearly all of them are set in a well-defined time and place, instead of 'once upon a time.' Their themes include ghosts; unrequited love across social boundaries; Shinto landscape, tree and ocean spirits; and tales driven by Bushido and Buddhist ethics.

Gordon Smith's style is to re-tell the stories very literally, even when they include supernatural elements.

The result is an anthology of Japanese 'magical realist' tales.