This book presents five traditional tales translated into French, illustrated in black and white, with appendices to give a better understanding of their context and traditions.

appendices to help understand the context and traditions.

THE TALE OF THE CRANE

This is one of the oldest Japanese tales, the exact date of publication of which is unknown.

There are several versions, depending on the region. The author has chosen one of the best-known and most romantic versions.

romantic versions. In Japan, it has long been forbidden to hunt cranes, as they are considered sacred birds.

considered a sacred bird: the symbol of peace, longevity and the eternal couple.

HOITCHI, THE BIWA PLAYER

In this tale, the Buddhist master writes 'Hannya shingyo' on Hôïtchi's body to protect him. But

will this be enough?

KATCHI-KATCHI MOUNTAIN

The mountain "KATCHI-KATCHI" is one of the most popular tales in Japan. Because of its intelligence, the

the Japanese believed that Tanuki, like Kitsuné (the fox), could trick humans into transforming themselves into

man or woman.

YAMAMBA AND THE 3 AMULETS

Yamamba is an old woman who lives in the mountains. She is a heroine in Japanese

tales, especially in the northern regions.

TARÔ URASHIMA

There's an expression in Japanese: like Urashima. It means that someone is unable to follow

as if they were absent from the world. The Japanese are very fond of this story and you can find clichéd

clichéd versions of it in manga, for example the brilliant turtle in Dragon Ball.

Yoshimi Katahira

Born in Tokyo, Japan, in 1974, Yoshimi has been passionate about drawing since childhood.

Working as a mangaka's assistant from the age of 19, she soon turned professional, becoming a manga author and illustrator two years later for Japanese magazines.

In 2007, she moved to France to learn the language and take literature classes.

After a few years, Yoshimi resumed her manga-related activities, giving drawing lessons to children. Particularly attached to the Japanese stories of her childhood, in 2012 she decided to devote an exhibition project to them, which nine years later became her first book, Ohanashi, published by Akinomé.