Annotations
A Page-by-Page Visual Analysis
Here is a library of annotations made of specific books chosen by our research team. Each annotation is a page-by-page guide to the overall background of each story, using various interactive icons to explain the history, mythology, and visual details of every work, as well as comparisons regarding decisions by the different translators, artists, and publishers who helped bring the fairy tales to life. We hope that each annotation provides an in-depth introduction to the stories that Hasegawa published in Meiji-era Japan, as well as allowing readers the opportunity to explore what interests you!
The Serpent with Eight Heads
Story about the slaying of a monstrous serpent by a mythical deity. Translated by Basil Hall Chamberlain, annotated by Sam Gering ’27.
The Ogre's Arm
Story about Watanabe no Tsuna and his encounter with an oni (ogre) by Mrs. T. H. (Kate) James. Annotated by Tiana Pay ’29.
The Ogres of Oyeyama
Story about a band of warriors’ journey to save Kyoto from being terrorized by oni (ogres) by Mrs. T. H. (Kate) James. Annotated by Tiana Pay ’29.
The Boy Who Drew Cats
Story about a boy who has both a talent for both drawing cats and trouble. Translated by Lafcadio Hearn, annotated by Sam Gering ’27.
The Old Man and the Devils
Story about an old man’s wild encounter with a group of devils by James Curtis Hepburn. Annotated by Sam Gering ’27.
The Wonderful Tea Kettle
Story about a talented tanuki who transforms into an enchanted tea kettle by Mrs. T. H. (Kate) James. Annotated by Christina M. Spiker.
The Matsuyama Mirror
Story about a mother’s love passed down through a unique, enchanted gift by Mrs. T. H. (Kate) James. Annotated by Anika James ’25.
Kachi-Kachi Mountain
Story about a farmer and a trouble-making tanuki (badger) by David Thompson. Annotated by Laura Smith ’25.
The Fisherboy Urashima
Story of Urashima Tarō and his journey to the Dragon Palace by Basil Hall Chamberlain. Annotated by Christina M. Spiker.
St. Olaf College Special Collections
Rolvaag Memorial Library Special Collections offers students and scholars access to printed materials from the 15th century to the present. The crepe-paper books you see here can be accessed in-person through our library.