This collection of Japanese fairy tales is the outcome of a suggestion made to me indirectly through a friend by Mr. Andrew Lang. They have been translated from the modern version written by Sadanami Sanjin. These stories are not literal translations, and though the Japanese story and all quaint Japanese expressions have been faithfully preserved, they have been told more with the view to interest young readers of the West than the technical student of folk-lore. Grateful acknowledgment is due to Mr. Y. Yasuoka, Miss Fusa Okamoto, my brother Nobumori Ozaki, Dr. Yoshihiro Takaki, and Miss Kameko Yamao, who have helped me with translations. The story which I have named “The Story of the Man who did not Wish to Die” is taken from a little book written a hundred years ago by one Shinsui Tamenaga. It is named Chosei Furo, or “Longevity.” “The Bamboo-cutter and the Moon-child” is taken from the classic “Taketari Monogatari,” and is NOT classed by the Japanese among their fairy tales, though it really belongs to this class of literature. The pictures were drawn by Mr. Kakuzo Fujiyama, a Tokio artist. In telling these stories in English I have followed my fancy in adding such touches of local color or description as they seemed to need or as pleased me, and in one or two instances I have gathered in an incident from another version. At all times, among my friends, both young and old, English or American, I have always found eager listeners to the beautiful legends and fairy tales of Japan, and in telling them I have also found that they were still unknown to the vast majority, and this has encouraged me to write them for the children of the West...FROM THE BOOKS.

A greedy, thoughtless monkey gets his comeuppance when the animals band together.

Mrs. Crab grows a persimmon tree but is unable to get at the fruit. Mr. Monkey offers to help in return for some of the fruit, but instead eats all of the ripe persimmons and throws down the hard green persimmons, killing Mrs. Crab. Her children, and various other country characters, are outraged and decide to punish Mr. Monkey.

While the original author of "Battle of the Monkey & the Crab" is unknown, David Thompson can be thanked for its translation. This story could be considered a child's book, but that would belittle the tale. Following the same footsteps as many myths from across the world, the story may focus on two creatures in the animal kingdom, but it is aimed for the entertainment and understanding of people of all ages. Thanks to Thompson, this charming story didn't become lost to history.