{"product_id":"tricksters-in-the-twilight-fox-and-tanuki-tales-from-japan-9784910554136","title":"Tricksters in the Twilight: Fox and Tanuki Tales from Japan","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eTricksters in the Twilight\u003c\/em\u003e delves into the captivating world of Japanese folklore, where tales of shape-shifting beings blur the lines between reality and legend. This collection showcases stories of two prominent \u003cem\u003etricksters\u003c\/em\u003e: the cunning fox (\u003cem\u003ekitsune\u003c\/em\u003e) and the playful \u003cem\u003etanuki\u003c\/em\u003e (raccoon dog), both embodying themes of transformation, trickery, and spiritual transcendence.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe fox, revered for its intelligence and mystical abilities, shares a sacred connection with the Shinto deity Inari, acting as guardians of fertility and rice crops. From benevolent guides to mischievous \u003cem\u003etricksters\u003c\/em\u003e, foxes explore the duality of good and evil through their shape-shifting prowess. The \u003cem\u003etanuki\u003c\/em\u003e, on the other hand, \u003cem\u003e often \u003c\/em\u003eenchants with its jovial demeanor, symbolizing prosperity and good fortune. With their playful shape-shifting antics and whimsical pranks, \u003cem\u003etanuki\u003c\/em\u003e impart lessons of humility and generosity, often through clever deceit in their interactions with humans. \/\/ \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eMany of the stories within this collection find their roots in Japan's ancient indigenous belief system, Shinto, celebrated for its deep reverence for nature spirits and animistic practices. These traditions have heavily influenced notable works such as the 9th-century compilation \u003cem\u003eNihon Ryouiki\u003c\/em\u003e by the Buddhist monk Kyokai. By skillfully melding Shinto beliefs with Buddhist teachings, Kyokai created a lasting legacy, as exemplified by his tale \u003cem\u003eFox Consort: A Union Transcending Worlds\u003c\/em\u003e, showcased in Chapter 1. This narrative explores themes of metamorphosis, desire, and the boundary of reality and myth. It offers a glimpse into Japanese folklore and invites readers to venture into a world where the mundane intersects with the extraordinary. \/\/ \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eChapters 2 to 5 of \u003cem\u003eTricksters in the Twilight\u003c\/em\u003e feature fox and \u003cem\u003etanuki\u003c\/em\u003e tales from four distinguished Japanese authors at the cusp of the 20th century: Kenji Miyazawa, Nankichi Niimi, Kotaro Tanaka, and Kohei Tsuchida. Miyazawa introduces readers to his signature mix of fantastical storytelling, deep philosophy, and appreciation for nature. Niimi's tales delve into universal themes of heartfelt connections amidst sorrow and the intrinsic beauty of life, drawing from his personal experiences and surroundings. Tanaka, celebrated for his romantic narratives, ghostly tales, and travelogues, brings stories from both Japanese and Chinese traditions into the collection, while Tsuchida captivates with his artful portrayal of a young fox, offering a rich and intriguing glimpse into its mystical world. \/\/ \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIn preparing this collection, both translators, Finlay Cameron and John McLean, have strived to remain faithful to the original authors, preserving the essence and subtleties of culturally specific words, phrases, and concepts. Sub-notes are used when necessary to clarify words or phrases that might not directly translate into English without losing their cultural significance. In the translation process, the Hepburn Romanization system was utilized to accurately represent Japanese words and maintain the authenticity of the original text. \/\/ \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eEnjoy the journey!\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eAuthor:\u003c\/b\u003e \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/sureshotbooks-com.myshopify.com\/search?type=product%2Carticle%2Cpage\u0026amp;q=AUTH-17298421\"\u003eKyokai (9th-C Buddhist Monk)\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/sureshotbooks-com.myshopify.com\/search?type=product%2Carticle%2Cpage\u0026amp;q=AUTH-10627105\"\u003eKenji Miyazawa\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/sureshotbooks-com.myshopify.com\/search?type=product%2Carticle%2Cpage\u0026amp;q=AUTH-10627364\"\u003eNankichi Niimi\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003ePublisher:\u003c\/b\u003e Matatabi Press\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003ePublished:\u003c\/b\u003e 08\/02\/2024\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003ePages:\u003c\/b\u003e 120\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eBinding Type:\u003c\/b\u003e Paperback\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eWeight:\u003c\/b\u003e 0.33lbs\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eSize:\u003c\/b\u003e 8.50h x 5.50w x 0.25d\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eISBN13:\u003c\/b\u003e 9784910554136\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eISBN10:\u003c\/b\u003e 4910554130\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eBISAC Categories:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e- \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/sureshotbooks-com.myshopify.com\/search?type=product%2Carticle%2Cpage\u0026amp;q=CAT-FIC\"\u003eFiction\u003c\/a\u003e | \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/sureshotbooks-com.myshopify.com\/search?type=product%2Carticle%2Cpage\u0026amp;q=BISAC-FIC067000\"\u003eAnimals\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003eThis title is not returnable\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Matatabi Press","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48456834121965,"sku":"9784910554136","price":14.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0550\/8097\/6621\/files\/img_7b412a94-b567-4788-b8c4-377b21ebcf59.jpg?v=1753570743","url":"https:\/\/sureshotbooks.com\/products\/tricksters-in-the-twilight-fox-and-tanuki-tales-from-japan-9784910554136","provider":"SureShot Books Publishing LLC","version":"1.0","type":"link"}