7.2 Otogizōshi short stories and their themes

Otogizōshi short stories emerged during the Muromachi period, blending oral storytelling with written narratives. These tales, ranging from 15 to 50 pages, often featured illustrations and were published in various formats like akahon, kurohon, and aobon.

Otogizōshi drew inspiration from folk tales, setsuwa, and Buddhist morality. They explored themes of everyday life, adventure, and social mobility. Famous stories like Issun-bōshi and Urashima Tarō showcased the genre's diverse narratives, mixing fantasy with moral lessons.

Origins and Formats of Otogizōshi

Development of Otogizōshi in Muromachi Period

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• Otogizōshi emerged as a genre of short stories during the Muromachi period (1336-1573)
• Muromachi fiction evolved from earlier literary traditions, incorporating elements of oral storytelling
• Monogatari-zōshi served as a precursor to otogizōshi, blending narrative prose with poetic elements
• Otogizōshi narratives typically ranged from 15 to 50 pages in length
• Stories often featured illustrations to enhance the narrative and appeal to a broader audience

Publication Formats and Distribution

• Akahon (red books) represented one of the earliest formats for publishing otogizōshi
  • Characterized by their red covers
  • Contained simple illustrations and text
  • Targeted a wide readership, including common people
• Kurohon (black books) emerged as a later format for otogizōshi publication
  • Featured black covers and more sophisticated illustrations
  • Often included more complex narratives and themes
• Aobon (blue books) appeared as another variation in otogizōshi publishing
  • Distinguished by their blue covers
  • Contained a mix of text and illustrations
  • Catered to diverse reading preferences and tastes

Themes and Influences

Literary and Cultural Sources

• Folk tales provided a rich source of inspiration for otogizōshi narratives
  • Incorporated traditional stories passed down through generations
  • Adapted local legends and myths into written form
• Setsuwa tales influenced the structure and content of otogizōshi
  • Drew upon earlier collections of anecdotes and moral stories
  • Blended historical and fictional elements to create engaging narratives
• Secular themes gained prominence in otogizōshi, reflecting changing societal values
  • Explored everyday life, romance, and adventure
  • Depicted social mobility and the rise of the merchant class

Moral and Religious Elements

• Buddhist morality played a significant role in shaping otogizōshi themes
  • Incorporated concepts of karma and reincarnation
  • Emphasized the importance of compassion and ethical behavior
• Stories often featured moral lessons or cautionary tales
  • Illustrated the consequences of greed, jealousy, or dishonesty
  • Promoted virtues such as loyalty, filial piety, and selflessness
• Religious elements blended with secular narratives
  • Included appearances of deities, spirits, and supernatural beings
  • Explored the relationship between the human and divine realms

Famous Otogizōshi Tales

Miniature Hero and Time Travel

• Issun-bōshi tells the story of a tiny boy who overcomes obstacles through cleverness and bravery
  • Protagonist is born the size of a thumb
  • Embarks on a journey to the capital to become a samurai
  • Defeats oni (demons) and wins the hand of a princess
  • Symbolizes the triumph of wit and determination over physical limitations
• Urashima Tarō explores themes of time travel and the consequences of curiosity
  • Fisherman rescues a turtle and is rewarded with a visit to an underwater palace
  • Spends what seems like a few days in the magical realm
  • Returns to find centuries have passed in the human world
  • Serves as a cautionary tale about the passage of time and the dangers of nostalgia

Legendary Monsters and Heroic Quests

• Shuten Dōji recounts the defeat of a fearsome oni by legendary warriors
  • Centers on a powerful demon who terrorizes the capital by kidnapping young women
  • Features historical figures like Minamoto no Yorimitsu (Raikō) as heroes
  • Incorporates elements of strategy, disguise, and supernatural combat
  • Reflects the blending of historical events with mythical elements in otogizōshi
• These tales exemplify the diverse themes and narrative styles found in otogizōshi
  • Combine elements of fantasy, folklore, and moral instruction
  • Appeal to a wide audience through engaging plots and relatable characters
  • Continue to influence Japanese literature and popular culture to this day