Issun Boshi

Small and brave – these are the two most striking characteristics of Issun Boshi . His mother had longed for a child so much that she naively added, "Even if it's very small." And indeed, a son was born to the elderly parents: just one inch (three centimeters) tall. From then on, he was called Issun Boshi, the one-inch boy.

The parents raised the boy with great love until one day he realized he would no longer grow. So he left home and set out on a journey to find his place in the world. And since he saw himself as a swordsman, a samurai, he equipped himself accordingly: a sewing needle was his sword, a soup bowl his boat, and he used chopsticks as oars.

As in any proper fairy tale, Issun Bôshi naturally has to overcome some adventures; and he performs so bravely in them that he is rewarded with a real princess in the end.