Legends of Japanese Mythology introduces curious young readers to Japanese legends and folklore with 50 illustrated profiles of legendary people and mystical beings.

Enter a captivating world of heroes, spirits, monsters and yōkai in Legends of Japanese Mythology. This beautifully detailed illustrated anthology takes readers on an adventure through time to a world of mystical power, battles, quests and intrigue. Featuring otherworldly artwork from Tomii Masako and enchanting text from the host of popular podcast Uncanny Japan, Thersa Matsuura, this collection of timeless tales is the perfect gift for lovers of Japanese mythology and folklore.Inside, you'll find 50 profiles of legendary people and mystical beings, each accompanied by a stunning portrait. You'll meet:Emperor Jimmu, the first emperor of Japan and a descendent of the Sun GoddessIzagani-no-Mikoto and Izanamino-Mikoto, who used their bejewelled spear to create the islands of JapanRyūjin, who used two jewels to control the oceanNopperabō, faceless ghosts who enjoy scaring unsuspecting peopleOni, huge red or blue ogres who dwell in the mountainsTanuki, the shape-shifting raccoon dogs who play tricks on the localsTamamo no Mae, the most powerful and dangerous nine-tailed fox spiritand more!The profiles are interspersed with famous mythological tales, such as The Three Sacred Treasures, a story about valour, wisdom and benevolence, as well as pieces of real historical information to contextualise them, like facts about the legendary warriors. These beautiful, intricate stories celebrate the wealth of Japan's heritage and culture, conveying the power and beauty in each tale. A feast for the eyes, Legends of Japanese Mythology will capture the imagination of young readers the world over!

Details

ISBN13: 9781836004738
Format: Hardback
Number of Pages: 80
Edition:
Publication Date: 01 Sep 2026
Publisher: Quarto Publishing PLC
Publication City, Country: United Kingdom
Dimensions (cm): 26(H)x20.1(L)x1.4(W)
Weight (gm):

Author Biography

Thersa Matsuura is a graduate of Clarion West 2015,  a recipient of the HWA's Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley Scholarship and the author of two short story collections, A Robe of Feathers and Other Stories (Counterpoint Press LLC) and The Carp-Faced Boy and Other Tales (Independent Legions Press). The latter of which was nominated for a Bram Stoker Award® (2017). Her most recent book is The Book of Japanese Folklore, published by Adams Media (2024). Thersa has lived over thirty years in a small town in Japan and shares her research and experiences on her podcast: Uncanny Japan.  Tomii Masako, a former comic artist, is a Tokyo-based illustrator, focusing mainly on drawing and book illustration. In her original works, she depicts other worlds interwoven with psychedelic fantasies that are not universal but which are visible to her, and are in a sense deformed, as if wandering the border between dreams and visions.

Reviews

"A must for readers intrigued by Japan’s legends and how it interprets the mysteries of the world."

* Booklist *

"...provides a solid foundation of Japanese mythology that will engage and entertain."

* School Library Journal *