In Japan it is believed there is a rabbit in the moon making rice cakes,
but no one knows why. I thought I would solve that mystery.
In Japan it is believed there is a rabbit in the moon making rice cakes,
but no one knows why. I thought I would solve that mystery.
I wrote a story about a large rabbit, named Shiro, who is not satisfied to be famous for his rice cakes. He wants to be a samurai, one of those fearless warriors of old Japan who wore bright armor and two swords, and did brave deeds for their lord. When Shiro hears of a fencing contest in which the winner will be made a samurai of the highest rank by the Emperor himself, he decides to enter it. He seeks out one of his best customers, Sojobo, the powerful tengu king, half bird, half human, and a master dueler. King Sojobo agrees to train him if Shiro will make rice cakes for him for the rest of his life.
Shiro wins the contest easily, but his true identity is revealed when he takes off his helmet to bow before the Emperor, and his two white ears pop out. Rather than punish him, the Emperor makes him a samurai on the moon.
And so when you see a white rabbit in the moon busy making ricecakes, you know it is Shiro keeping his promise to King Sojobo forever after.
A critic wrote: "This gently ironic yarn is among the author's best."