Urashima Tarō
10 pages · 3 min · ages 5+
Based on: Japanese Folk Tale
Urashima Tarō lived by the sea. He was a very kind fisherman. The blue waves sang soft songs. Tarō loved the big, salty ocean. He always helped his little friends. Tarō felt happy under the sun.
Some boys were being very mean. They were teasing a small turtle. "Please be gentle," Tarō said softly. The boys learned to be nice. Tarō helped the turtle feel safe. He put it back in water. The turtle swam away with joy.
The next day, the turtle returned. "Thank you for your help," she said. She was a very special turtle. "Hop on my back," she invited. Tarō sat down on her shell. They swam deep into the water. Bubbles tickled Tarō’s toes and nose.
They reached a giant golden gate. It was the beautiful Dragon Palace. Everything was bright and very shiny. The castle was made of coral. Fish danced in the garden trees. It looked like a magic dream. Tarō felt very lucky to be there.
Princess Otohime came to greet him. She wore a dress of silk. "Welcome to my home," she smiled. She spoke with a sweet voice. Tarō bowed to the lovely princess. He was a very polite guest. She thanked him for his kindness.
They had a grand, magical feast. Crabs played drums on the tables. Jellyfish glowed like soft night lamps. They ate sweet seaweed and fruit. Tarō heard songs from the sea. The time went by very fast. Every moment felt like a gift.
Three days passed like a wink. Tarō missed his cozy little hut. "I must go home," Tarō said. Otohime gave him a jeweled box. "Keep this tamatebako safe," she whispered. "Please do not open the lid." Tarō promised to follow her rules.
The turtle took him back home. The beach looked exactly the same. The sand felt warm and soft. Tarō sat down with his box. He felt a little bit lonely. He looked at the pretty box. It sparkled in the evening light.
Tarō slowly opened the small box. A cloud of white mist rose. The air smelled like fresh salt. Tarō felt very, very sleepy now. He closed his tired brown eyes. The world became a soft blur. He fell into a deep sleep.
Tarō woke up on the sand. The little turtle was right there. It was a truly wonderful dream. "Cherish every single day," he said. He felt happy for his friends. The ocean waved a big hello. Tarō walked home with a smile.