Kunio Yanagita and the Making of Japanese Folklore Studies

Kunio Yanagita, recognized as the pioneer of Japanese folklore, chronicled oral narratives similar to those of the Brothers Grimm. He attended Tokyo Imperial University and spent twenty years in the Department of Agricultural Administration, where he championed the interests of rural farmers. His perspectives prompted him to travel across Japan, documenting local traditions. Yanagita's most famous publication, The Legends of Tono, was released in 1910 and 1912, showcasing tales from Tono, including yōkai such as kappa and tengu. He founded minzokugaku, positing that rural communities preserved genuine cultural identities. His contributions arose during Japan's swift modernization after 1853, when the government stifled traditional folklore, influencing notable figures like Shigeru Mizuki and Satoshi Tajiri and aiding in the creation of folklore studies at universities.