Big Book Series 01: Urashima Taro

An old Japanese folktale takes the form of a giant, beautifully illustrated fold-out poster. Its protagonist, Urashima Taro, is a young fisherman who rescues a turtle from children who are tormenting it. He is rewarded for this act of kindness with a visit to Ryugo jo, the palace of Ryujin, the Dragon God Nadraka, deep beneath the sea. Although he only stays there for three days, upon his return to his village he finds himself 300 years in the future, alone and alienated. The story dates to the 8th century, during the Nara period, and bears a marked resemblance to folktales from other cultures, including the Chinese legend of Ranka and the American tale of Rip Van Winkle.

ills colour, 100 x 118 cm, poster, Japanese/English

Publisher Seigensha: ISBN 9784861525827