On this episode of Ichimon Japan we ask: Is the story of Kaguya Hime proof that aliens have visited Japan?
Topics Discussed
- An overview of the story of Kaguya Hime (Taketori Monogatari, The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter)
- The history of Taketori Monogatari
- How the tale of Kaguya Hime is sometimes called Japan's first science fiction story
- Peculiarities and confusing things found in the story of Kaguya Hime
- A breakdown of the part in Taketori Monogatari when the five suitors try to win Kaguya Hime's hand in marriage
- The epilogue of Taketori Monogatari and how it is used to explain the origins of the name of Mt. Fuji
- The 1987 film Princess from the Moon (Taktori Monogatari)
- Theories that say that Kaguya Hime is an alien from the moon
- The confusing and disjointed nature of the tale of Kaguya Hime
- How Taketori Monogatari appears to have no clear moral or lesson for the reader
- Interpretations of the meaning behind Taketori Monogatari
- Whether the story of Kaguya Hime is proof that aliens visited Japan
- And much more!
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Sources, Links, Videos, Etc.
Here are some of the English-language sources used for this episode.
Here are some of the Japanese-language sources used for this episode.
Here is the video that was produced for the Apollo 20 hoax.
Check out the last scene of the 1987 science fiction adaptation of Kaguya Hime (Princess from the Moon).
If you'd like to listen to the episode of Ichimon Japan about the story of Momotaro, use the link below.
Check out the latest episode of Japan Station.
Support the show by picking up a t-shirt at KimitoDesigns.com.
Japanese Vocabulary List
Most episodes feature at least one or two interesting Japanese words or phrases. Here's some of the ones that came up on this episode. All information is from Jim Breen's WWWJDIC.
- Monogatari
- 物語 : 物語(P); 物語り 【ものがたり】 (n) story; tale; narrative; account; fable; legend
- Take
- 竹 【たけ(P); タケ】 (n) (1) bamboo (any grass of subfamily Bambusoideae)
- Tenjin
- 天人 【てんじん】 (n) God and man; heaven and man; 【てんにん; あめひと(ok); あまびと(ok)】 ; (n) heavenly being; celestial being; celestial nymph; celestial maiden
- Tennyo
- 天女 【てんにょ】 (n) (1) heavenly nymph; celestial maiden; (n) (2) beautiful and kind woman
- Hagoromo
- 羽衣 【はごろも(P); うい】 (n) (1) angel's raiment; robe of feathers; (n) (2) wings of birds or insects; plumage of birds
We Want Your Questions
Is there something about Japan that confuses you? Is there something about Japanese culture that you would like to learn more about? Is there something in Japanese history that you would like us to explain? We're always looking for new questions about Japan to answer, so if you have one, please send it to ichimon@japankyo.com.
Special Thanks
Opening/Closing Theme: Produced by Apol (YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, Fiverr)
Ichimon Japan cover art: Produced by Erik R.
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Full Show Notes
