Celebrated for her lyrical prose, Yei Theodora Ozaki's collection features 22 enchanting Japanese fairy tales and folk stories, first published in 1903. Each tale showcases themes of adventure, magic, and moral lessons, offering a glimpse into Japan's rich cultural and spiritual heritage. Ozaki's translations are noted for their fidelity to the original narratives, making these captivating stories accessible to English-speaking readers.
Yei Theodora Ozaki Book order
An early 20th-century translator, she specialized in Japanese short stories and fairy tales. Her translations, though liberal, achieved significant popularity and saw multiple reprints posthumously. Possessing an unusual background as the daughter of a prominent Japanese politician and an educated Western mother, she navigated between Japanese and European cultures. Throughout her life, she worked as a teacher and secretary, traveled between Japan and Europe, and experienced life in diverse settings, from Italy to the environs of a Buddhist temple.






- 2024
- 2024
The collection features fifteen chilling tales that immerse readers in a world where the supernatural intertwines with the earthly. Each story introduces a variety of ghosts, goblins, and magical beings, showcasing their mischievous, terrifying, protective, and tender qualities. Enhanced by the stunning illustrations of contemporary Japanese yokai artist Sakyu, these eerie narratives explore the rich tapestry of Japanese folklore, inviting readers to experience both the beauty and horror of this mystical realm.
- 2023
The Japanese Fairy Book
- 336 pages
- 12 hours of reading
This classic collection features a biracial Japanese woman who reinterprets her adopted homeland's fairy tales, infusing them with her unique cultural perspective. Through her storytelling, she weaves together elements of her heritage and experiences, creating a rich tapestry that highlights themes of identity and belonging. The narratives explore the intersection of different cultures, offering fresh interpretations of beloved tales while celebrating diversity and personal history.
- 2023
Japanese Fairy Tales
- 194 pages
- 7 hours of reading
This collection features traditional Japanese folktales and legends, artfully retold by Yei Theodora Ozaki. First published in 1903, it introduces English-speaking audiences to the rich tapestry of Japanese culture through enchanting stories that blend fantasy and moral lessons. Ozaki's translations preserve the charm and essence of these tales, making them accessible and captivating for readers of all ages.
- 2022
One of the standout tales in this collection is The Tongue-Cut Sparrow, a poignant story of revenge and consequence involving an old woman and her husband's beloved talking sparrow. Alongside this well-known narrative, the volume features twenty-two diverse stories that explore themes of morality, human nature, and the complexities of relationships, showcasing the rich tapestry of Japanese folklore.
- 2020
Der Mann, der nicht sterben wollte
und andere seltsame Geschichten aus dem alten Japan
- 116 pages
- 5 hours of reading
In einer faszinierenden Erzählung verbindet Yei Theodora Ozaki japanische Mythen mit lebendigen Charakteren wie klugen Priestern und tapferen Samurai. Die Geschichte entfaltet sich in verlassenen Landschaften, verfallenen Tempeln und surrealen Traumwelten, in denen heimtückische Wesen und riesige Dämonen auf selbstsüchtige Sterbliche treffen. Durch diese Erzählungen vermittelt die Autorin tiefgehende Einblicke in die Werte und Traditionen, die das moderne Japan prägen und die kulturelle Identität der Menschen widerspiegeln.