Who Princess Kaguya is

Princess Kaguya is the heroine of The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter

She is a beautiful woman who comes from the moon. This tale is considered Japan’s oldest narrative literature and is a timeless classic blending elements of science fiction, romance, and moral lessons.

Summary of the Story

1. The Girl Who Appeared from Bamboo
   One day, an elderly bamboo cutter and his wife find a glowing bamboo stalk. Inside, they discover a tiny, beautiful girl. Since they had no children, they raise her and name her Kaguya-hime.
    
2. Growing Beautiful and Receiving Many Suitors
   Kaguya quickly grows into a stunning woman. Many men, including nobles and princes, come to propose marriage. However, she rejects them all by giving them impossible tasks.
    
3. Even the Emperor is Captivated
   Eventually, even the Emperor falls in love with her, but her heart remains unmoved.
    

1. Returning to the Moon
   In truth, Kaguya is a resident of the moon temporarily sent to Earth. When the day comes for her to return, the bamboo cutter and the Emperor try to stop her, but she leaves for the moon. Those left behind on Earth are filled with deep sorrow and lingering feelings.
    

The Charm of The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter

This story is rich in unique themes and structure. The appearance of the beautiful girl from shining bamboo, and her eventual return to the moon, create a dreamlike atmosphere filled with mystical elements of bamboo, the moon, and an enchanting maiden.

The story also features a setting that involves extraterrestrial beings (the moon) and visitors from another world, showing a remarkable sense of advanced imagination, akin to modern science fiction, despite its ancient origins.

Moreover, Kaguya’s refusal to accept earthly love and her departure back to the moon expresses deep Japanese cultural values, such as the beauty of impermanence, farewell, and pure love.

Many parts of the story remain unexplained—for example, why Kaguya came to Earth and what exactly the moon’s world is like—leaving room for readers’ imagination. This mysterious openness adds to the story’s lasting appeal.

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