The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter

Long ago, in a time when the world was young and magic still danced freely through the forests of Japan, there lived an old bamboo cutter named Taketori no Okina. Each morning, as the mist rose from the valleys and the first light painted the sky with gentle gold, he would venture into the bamboo grove with his sharp knife, seeking the finest stalks for his craft.

On one particularly serene morning, as cherry blossoms drifted like snow through the air, Taketori no Okina noticed something extraordinary. Deep within the grove stood a single bamboo stalk that seemed to glow with an inner light, as if the moon itself had taken residence within its hollow chambers. The radiance was so pure, so ethereal, that the old man stopped in wonder.

“What manner of miracle is this?” he whispered, his weathered hands trembling as he approached the luminous bamboo.

With reverent care, he cut the glowing stalk. As his blade completed its work, the bamboo split open with a sound like the tinkling of temple bells, and from within emerged the most beautiful child he had ever seen. She was no larger than his thumb, with skin like polished pearl and hair that flowed like liquid silk. Her eyes held the depth of starlit skies, and when she smiled, it seemed as though the very sun had decided to shine more brightly.

“My dear wife,” Taketori no Okina called as he hurried home, cradling the tiny maiden in his gentle hands. “Come quickly! Heaven has blessed us with a daughter!”

His wife, who had long mourned their childless state, wept tears of joy when she saw the miraculous child. They named her Nayotake no Kaguya-hime, which meant “Princess Kaguya of the Supple Bamboo,” for she had emerged from the heart of the bamboo grove.

As days turned to weeks, little Kaguya grew with supernatural swiftness. Each dawn brought new height to her frame, new wisdom to her words, and new beauty to her already perfect features. Within mere months, she had grown into a young woman of such extraordinary loveliness that her radiance seemed to illuminate the very walls of their humble cottage.

But Kaguya’s presence brought more than beauty to their home. Each time Taketori no Okina returned to cut bamboo, he found gold and precious jewels hidden within the stalks. Their poverty vanished like morning mist, replaced by wealth beyond their wildest dreams. Yet Kaguya herself remained humble and kind, spending her days helping her adoptive mother with household tasks and bringing joy to all who met her.

Word of Kaguya’s incredible beauty spread throughout the land like wildfire across dry grass. Soon, five of the most powerful and wealthy noblemen in all of Japan came seeking her hand in marriage.

First came Prince Ishitsukuri, his elaborate robes rustling like autumn leaves as he approached their gate. His eyes sparkled with avarice as he beheld Kaguya’s beauty. “I offer you a fortune in gold and lands beyond measure,” he declared with confidence born of privilege.

Next arrived Prince Kuramochi, his entourage stretching as far as the eye could see. “I possess the finest horses, the most skilled servants, and palaces that touch the clouds,” he boasted, certain that his wealth would secure her acceptance.

The third suitor was Minister Abe no Miushi, whose family name commanded respect in the imperial court. “Choose me,” he proclaimed, “and you shall want for nothing. Silks from distant lands, pearls from the deepest seas, all shall be yours.”

Then came Counselor Otomo no Miyuki, whose wisdom was renowned throughout the realm. “Beauty fades,” he said thoughtfully, “but knowledge endures forever. I offer you a life of learning and intellectual companionship.”

Finally, Middle Captain Iso no Kami approached, his military bearing evident in every step. “I am strong enough to protect you from any danger,” he declared with fierce pride. “No harm shall ever befall you under my watch.”

Each day, these five nobles gathered outside the cottage, each trying to outdo the others with displays of wealth, power, and devotion. They filled the garden with gifts: bolts of precious silk that shimmered like captured rainbows, chests overflowing with gold coins that clinked like temple bells, rare flowers that bloomed in impossible colors, and exotic birds whose songs could make even the stones weep with beauty.

But Kaguya observed all these offerings with a curious detachment, as if viewing earthly treasures from a great distance. Her adoptive parents, overwhelmed by the persistence of such illustrious suitors, finally approached her with gentle concern.

“Dearest daughter,” said Taketori no Okina, his voice heavy with paternal love, “these are honorable men of great standing. Any one of them would provide you with a life of comfort and security. Perhaps it is time to consider marriage.”

Kaguya’s response was delivered with the graceful wisdom that had always marked her words. “Honored father, I understand your concern for my future. But how can I choose among five men when I know nothing of their true character? Anyone may speak of love when beauty dazzles their eyes, but true devotion reveals itself only in times of trial.”

She paused thoughtfully, her luminous eyes reflecting a depth of understanding that seemed far beyond her apparent years. “I shall give each suitor a quest. If their love is genuine, they will gladly undertake any task to prove their worth. If their interest is merely in possessing a beautiful object, they will reveal their true nature.”

The next morning, Kaguya summoned the five suitors to her presence. She sat gracefully on a simple wooden stool, yet her natural dignity made it seem like the finest throne. The morning light streaming through the windows seemed to gather around her, creating an almost divine aura.

“Noble lords,” she began, her voice clear as mountain water, “your persistent courtship honors me deeply. However, true love proves itself through deeds, not words. I shall set before each of you a task. He who succeeds shall win my hand in marriage.”

Prince Ishitsukuri leaned forward eagerly, his eyes bright with anticipation. “Name your challenge, Princess. No task is too great for one who loves as truly as I.”

Kaguya smiled gently. “From the Buddha’s temple in distant India, bring me the stone begging bowl that was used by the Buddha himself. It is said to glow with holy light and to bring peace to all who gaze upon it.”

Prince Kuramochi bowed deeply. “And what quest would you set for me, radiant Princess?”

“Journey to the dragon king’s palace beneath the eastern sea,” Kaguya replied serenely. “There grows a tree with silver bark and golden leaves. From this tree, bring me a single branch, for it is said that its beauty rivals that of the moon itself.”

Minister Abe no Miushi stepped forward. “I await your command, my lady.”

“In the distant land of China,” Kaguya continued, “there lives a fire rat whose fur is so fine that flames cannot touch it. Bring me a robe woven from this magical fur, for such a garment would indeed be a wonder to behold.”

Counselor Otomo no Miyuki nodded gravely. “Whatever you require, I shall obtain it.”

“On the neck of a great dragon,” said Kaguya, “there hangs a jewel of five colors that contains all the beauty of the rainbow. This jewel I would have you bring to me.”

Finally, she turned to Middle Captain Iso no Kami. “And for you, brave captain, I ask that you bring me a cowrie shell born by a swallow. It is said that such shells possess the power to grant their owner’s deepest wish.”

The five suitors departed with great ceremony, each confident that his superior resources and determination would ensure success. But as the months passed, it became clear that Kaguya had chosen these tasks with profound wisdom.

Prince Ishitsukuri, unwilling to undertake the perilous journey to India, commissioned local craftsmen to create a false begging bowl. When he presented it to Kaguya with great fanfare, the bowl appeared magnificent—crafted from the finest stone and polished to perfection. But as Kaguya held it in her delicate hands, she shook her head sadly.

“This bowl, though beautiful, lacks the divine essence of the Buddha’s touch,” she said gently. “A true holy relic would carry within it the weight of spiritual enlightenment. I feel no such power here.”

Exposed in his deception, Prince Ishitsukuri fled in shame, his false love revealed for all to see.

Prince Kuramochi attempted to bribe a traveling merchant for an ordinary branch, which he claimed came from the dragon king’s tree. But when Kaguya examined it, she noticed immediately that it was merely common wood painted with silver and gold.

“Dear Prince,” she said with compassionate firmness, “the magic branch would bear leaves that sing in the wind and bark that feels warm to the touch even in winter’s depth. This is but ordinary wood disguised.”

Prince Kuramochi too departed in disgrace, his pretense exposed.

Minister Abe no Miushi actually began the journey to China, but when he learned of the fire rat’s ferocity and the extreme difficulty of obtaining its fur, he purchased an ordinary fur robe and claimed it was fireproof. To test its authenticity, Kaguya’s adoptive father placed it near a flame, and it immediately caught fire.

“True fire rat fur would remain unharmed even in the heart of a great blaze,” Kaguya observed sadly. “This robe speaks of ordinary materials and dishonest hearts.”

The minister departed, his deception revealed and his reputation tarnished.

Counselor Otomo no Miyuki commissioned the finest jewelers in the land to create a spectacular five-colored gem. The artificial jewel was so beautiful that it seemed to capture starlight itself. But when Kaguya held it, she immediately sensed its earthly origin.

“The dragon’s jewel would pulse with the rhythm of the ocean’s heart,” she explained kindly. “This gem, though lovely, carries no such magic within its depths.”

The counselor left quietly, his false claim exposed.

Only Middle Captain Iso no Kami actually attempted his assigned quest. For months, he stood beneath the eaves of houses, watching swallows build their nests, hoping to find the legendary cowrie shell. His dedication was genuine, and his efforts tireless. But when he finally climbed high into a tree to examine a swallow’s nest more closely, he fell and was gravely injured.

When news of his accident reached Kaguya, she was deeply moved by his sincere efforts. She visited him as he recovered from his injuries, bringing healing herbs and words of comfort.

“Brave captain,” she said softly, “your honest attempt honors you more than success achieved through deception would have. But you must understand—the shell you seek exists only in legend, as do all the treasures I requested.”

Iso no Kami looked at her with dawning understanding. “You never intended for any of us to succeed, did you, Princess?”

Kaguya’s eyes filled with gentle sadness. “I set impossible tasks because my heart cannot be won through earthly means. My nature is not of this world, and though I am deeply touched by sincere affection, I cannot give what was never mine to offer.”

As the years passed and the failed suitors departed, Kaguya’s beauty continued to grow beyond the bounds of earthly loveliness. Her radiance became so intense that even the Emperor of Japan heard tales of her extraordinary appearance and decided he must see her for himself.

Unlike the five nobles who had come before, the Emperor approached with genuine humility and wisdom. When he first beheld Kaguya, he was struck not only by her physical beauty but by the otherworldly quality that seemed to emanate from her very being.

“Princess Kaguya,” he said with sincere respect, “I have come not as an emperor seeking to add another treasure to his collection, but as a man who recognizes in you something far greater than earthly beauty. Will you accept my friendship, if not my love?”

Kaguya was touched by his honest words and genuine respect. “Your Majesty honors me,” she replied. “I would gladly offer friendship to one who approaches with such wisdom and kindness.”

And so the Emperor became a frequent visitor to the humble cottage, not as a demanding suitor but as a cherished friend. He and Kaguya would spend hours in conversation, discussing philosophy, poetry, and the mysteries of existence. Their friendship brought joy to both, yet Kaguya’s sadness seemed to deepen with each passing day.

As the seasons turned and years flowed by like a gentle river, Kaguya’s melancholy became more pronounced. Often, she would stand in the garden at night, gazing up at the full moon with tears streaming down her luminous cheeks like liquid silver.

“What troubles you so deeply, my daughter?” asked her adoptive mother one evening, her heart breaking to see such sorrow in one so dear.

Kaguya turned from her contemplation of the moon, her eyes reflecting a pain too deep for earthly understanding. “Dearest mother, the time has come for me to reveal the truth I have long hidden. I am not of this world, but was sent here from the Moon Palace as punishment for a crime I committed in my celestial home.”

Her adoptive parents stared in shock and growing fear as she continued.

“The people of the moon live lives of perfect harmony and eternal peace, but they lack the passionate emotions that make earthly existence so beautiful and so painful. In my curiosity about human feelings, I broke the laws of my people. As punishment, I was exiled to Earth to experience the full range of mortal emotions—joy and sorrow, love and loss, hope and despair.”

She gestured toward the silver orb hanging in the star-studded sky. “Now the lunar court has decided that my exile has taught me sufficient lessons. Soon, they will send celestial beings to escort me home. When the moon is full again, I must leave this world and all whom I have come to love.”

The old bamboo cutter fell to his knees, tears streaming down his weathered face. “No! You are our daughter, our greatest joy! How can heaven be so cruel as to take you from us?”

“I do not wish to go,” Kaguya whispered, her voice breaking with emotion. “This humble cottage has become more precious to me than any celestial palace. Your love has taught me what it means to be truly wealthy. But the laws of the moon cannot be broken, not even by the deepest love.”

Word of Kaguya’s impending departure reached the Emperor, who immediately dispatched his finest warriors to surround the cottage and protect her from the celestial messengers. He himself came to stand guard, determined to keep his dear friend on Earth through the force of human will and military might.

As the full moon rose on the appointed night, casting the world in silver radiance, an otherworldly music began to fill the air. The sound was beautiful beyond description, yet it filled all who heard it with an inexplicable sadness. The Emperor’s soldiers, brave men who had faced countless battles without flinching, found themselves unable to move or even draw their weapons.

From the sky descended a procession of celestial beings, their forms so luminous that mortal eyes could barely perceive them. They moved with a grace that defied earthly physics, their robes flowing like liquid moonlight. At their head walked a figure of such majestic beauty that even Kaguya paled in comparison.

“Princess of the Moon,” the celestial leader spoke with a voice like distant wind chimes, “your time of exile is complete. You have learned what it means to love and to grieve, to hope and to despair. Now you must return to take your place among the immortals.”

Kaguya stepped forward, her earthly clothing transforming into robes of silver and starlight. But even as her appearance became more ethereal, her tears continued to flow.

“I have indeed learned much,” she replied, her voice carrying the musical quality of her celestial nature while retaining the emotional warmth of her earthly experience. “I have learned that true wealth lies not in gold or jewels, but in the love of those who care for us selflessly. I have discovered that a humble cottage filled with affection is worth more than the grandest palace built on obligation.”

She turned to her adoptive parents, who stood frozen in grief and wonder. “Dearest father and mother, you who found me in the bamboo and raised me with such tender care, know that no distance can diminish the love I bear for you. In the Moon Palace, they say we feel no sorrow because we form no attachments. But I have learned that love’s pain is inseparable from love’s joy, and I would not trade the ache in my heart for all of celestial peace.”

To the Emperor, she offered a small vial filled with liquid that seemed to contain captured starlight. “This is the elixir of immortality,” she explained. “It was to be my gift to you, that we might never be parted. But I realize now that mortality gives life its precious urgency. Use this gift wisely, knowing that all beautiful things are made more precious by their fleeting nature.”

The Emperor accepted the vial with trembling hands, understanding that this was both a gift and a farewell. “I shall treasure our friendship more than any crown or kingdom,” he said, his royal dignity maintained even through his tears.

As the celestial beings began to ascend toward the moon, Kaguya turned one last time to look upon the cottage that had been her home, the garden where she had learned to find joy in simple pleasures, and the faces of those who had taught her the meaning of human love.

“I go now to a place of eternal peace,” she called softly, her voice carrying on the night wind like a blessing. “But I carry with me the gift of having truly lived, truly loved, and truly understood what it means to be mortal. That knowledge will light my way through all eternity.”

And with that, the celestial procession rose into the star-filled sky, carrying Princess Kaguya back to her moon palace. Those watching from below saw a brief brightening of the lunar surface, as if the moon itself were welcoming home its lost daughter.

The Emperor never used the elixir of immortality, choosing instead to live a mortal life enriched by his memories of genuine friendship. The old bamboo cutter and his wife lived out their days in the cottage, now filled with both grief and gratitude for having been blessed, however briefly, with such extraordinary love.

And sometimes, on nights when the moon shines with particular brilliance, people say they can see the silhouette of a beautiful princess gazing down at the Earth with loving sadness, remembering the humble cottage where she learned that even celestial beings can find their hearts transformed by human kindness.

The bamboo grove where Taketori no Okina once worked continues to grow, and occasionally, travelers report seeing a gentle glow among the stalks—not the light of trapped moonbeams, but the warm radiance of love that transcends the boundaries between earth and sky, mortality and eternity.