Abstract

★“The Yatagarasu Has Three Legs” and “The Hare of Inaba Is White”—Could These Beliefs Be Wrong?!
★A New History of Japanese Culture That Challenges Conventional Wisdom, Revealed Through Historical Sources on Court Customs and Ceremonies

Many things widely accepted as common knowledge about Japanese culture—such as the belief that the Yatagarasu (the mythical crow) has three legs or that the hare in the tale of Inaba is white—are actually based on modern misconceptions and assumptions.

Drawing on historical sources documenting court customs, traditions, and ceremonies, this book uncovers surprising facts about Japanese culture. It presents 73 fascinating stories of misconceptions surrounding historical figures, familiar folktales and legends, and classical literary works such as The Tale of Genji, covering the period from ancient times to the modern era.

Challenging long-held assumptions, this book offers a fresh and open-minded perspective on the history of Japanese culture.

Author’s Information

Director of Kiyoharu Costume Research Institute. Engaged in a wide range of activities to research and promote yūsoku kojitsu (traditional court customs and ceremonies), including the study and interpretation of classical texts, the reconstruction of historical court attire, and writing. Also serves as a supervisor and advisor on matters related to yūsoku kojitsu and has delivered numerous lectures at universities, libraries, and Shinto shrines throughout Japan.