Issunboshi

Issunboshi is a Japanese folktale about a tiny boy, no bigger than a thumb, hence his name which literally translates to "one-inch boy." Despite his diminutive size, Issunboshi possessed great courage and a sharp wit. He left his home to seek his fortune in the capital city, carrying a needle for a sword and a bowl for a hat.

In the city, Issunboshi faced numerous challenges. He found employment serving a wealthy family and even bravely defended their daughter from an ogre. In his heroic act, he managed to defeat the monstrous creature and reclaim a magical mallet that the ogre had stolen. This mallet, when Issunboshi wished for it, granted him his heart's desire: to grow to a normal human size. With his newfound stature and the gratitude of the princess, Issunboshi married her and lived happily. The tale emphasizes that true worth comes not from physical size but from bravery, intelligence, and a good heart. It is a popular story that has been retold in various forms across Japan and internationally.