Myths and Legends - Episode 410: Japanese Folklore: Provincial

Host/Authors: Jason Weiser, Carissa Weiser
Release Date: June 4, 2025

Introduction

In this captivating episode of Myths and Legends, hosts Jason and Carissa Weiser delve deep into the rich tapestry of Japanese folklore during the Edo period. Set predominantly in the serene yet perilous provincial landscapes outside what is modern-day Tokyo, the episode intertwines five interconnected tales that explore themes of trust, betrayal, duty, and redemption. Through vivid storytelling, the Weisers bring to life myths involving farmers, monks, governors, and supernatural elements, offering listeners both familiar and novel narratives from Japan’s storied past.

1. The Tragic Pilgrimage of Farmer Kenshiro

The episode opens with the poignant story of Kenshiro, an aging farmer who decides to embark on a final pilgrimage to the grand shrines of Ise, seeking solace and purpose as he nears the end of his life.

• Struggle and Sacrifice: Kenshiro bids farewell to his wife, acknowledging the transient nature of life and his desire to leave behind something meaningful. Despite his health declining after years of hard labor, his determination remains unwavering.

• Village Support and Betrayal: The village, touched by Kenshiro’s resolve, collectively donates 100 yen to support his journey. However, at a nearby inn, greed takes hold. Upon paying his dues, Kenshiro discovers his donation bag has been deceitfully filled with rocks instead of money, orchestrated by the innkeeper Jinpachi.

  • Notable Quote:
    [12:45] Jason Weiser: "Kenshiro wasn't asking for nothing. But even rounding up to $50 in 2025 money, it was almost nothing to a man like Jinpachi."

• Betrayal and Consequence: Confronted, Jinpachi assaults Kenshiro, showcasing the dire repercussions of misplaced trust and corruption. Kenshiro’s subsequent desire to end his life highlights the profound impact of betrayal on one's spirit.

2. The Monastery and the Enlightened Monks

Parallel to Kenshiro’s journey is the tale of Kaishu, the leader of a monastery renowned for his dedication to copying Buddhist sutras. His life is intricately linked with the monkeys that frequent his temple.

• Monkeys as Devoted Students: Initially skeptical, Kaishu observes two monkeys attentively listening to his sermons. Over time, their consistent presence and genuine reverence compel him to treat them as true students.

  • Notable Quote:
    [23:30] Carissa Weiser: "They arrived just before he began, took a seat toward the back, listened the entire time, and then left."

• Divine Intervention and Sacrifice: As months pass, the temple thrives under the monkeys' assistance, but tragedy strikes when two monkeys fall into a pit while foraging. Their untimely deaths symbolize the fragility of existence and the deep bonds formed between humans and nature.

• Completion of the Sutras: Decades later, a mysterious old monk resurfaces, revealing himself as one of the original monks who interacted with the monkeys. Inspired by their legacy, the new governor completes the monumental task of copying the sutras, ensuring the preservation of their sacred knowledge.

  • Notable Quote:
    [58:00] Jason Weiser: "He said that no, they won't. I will finish them. Our work."

3. The Governor, Deputy Governor, and the Weight of Leadership

The narrative then shifts to the political turmoil faced by the Governor and his Deputy Governor in a time of unexpected crises.

• Accidental Ascension: When the Governor disastrously falls off a cliff while crossing a suspension bridge, the Deputy Governor is thrust into power, grappling with newfound authority amidst personal and political strife.

  • Notable Quote:
    [35:15] Carissa Weiser: "He was now the most powerful man in the region, yet his own wife with some priest. He didn't begin to know how he would deal with that."

• Corruption and Curses: The Deputy Governor discovers corruption within his ranks, leading to the punishment of Jinpachi, the innkeeper who had wronged Kenshiro. However, Jinpachi's malevolent actions attract supernatural retribution in the form of an incessant swarm of fireflies, symbolizing divine justice.

  • Notable Quote:
    [49:20] Jason Weiser: "He clasped his hands and said, louder than the servant needed, that this was clearly divine justice."

• Themes of Karma and Redemption: Jinpachi's relentless torment by the fireflies serves as a metaphor for karma, illustrating that one's misdeeds inevitably lead to their downfall, regardless of their societal standing.

4. Jinpachi’s Demise and the Consequences of Greed

Jinpachi, burdened by his past actions and the supernatural curse, faces his ultimate demise as the fireflies consume him, leaving his estate a cursed and abandoned place.

• Tormented by Supernatural Forces: As the fireflies infiltrate his home, Jinpachi's pleas for help go unanswered, representing the isolation that often accompanies wrongdoing.

  • Notable Quote:
    [60:50] Carissa Weiser: "It's a cursed place where divine justice was being carried out and where Jinpachi's screams were quickly cut short."

• Legacy of Betrayal: Jinpachi's death serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of greed and betrayal, cementing the episode's overarching themes of moral accountability and the enduring impact of one's actions.

5. The Governor’s Transformation and Fulfillment of Legacy

Years after the events, the new Governor, influenced by the tales of his predecessors and fueled by a personal quest for redemption, dedicates himself to completing the sutras.

• Reconciliation with the Past: Guided by visions and memories, the Governor reconnects with the old monk, completing the sacred task that binds the monastery’s legacy with the tales of Kenshiro and Kaishu.

  • Notable Quote:
    [74:30] Jason Weiser: "He had always governed his province with that same wisdom, albeit inadvertently, garnering taxes and enriching himself to his heart's content. That's not remotely what that means."

• Eternal Preservation of Knowledge: By completing the sutras, the Governor not only honors the monks and the monkeys but also ensures that their collective wisdom remains preserved for future generations.

6. The Dinymara and Modern Parallels

In an unexpected twist, the episode concludes with a nod to the Dinymara from Manx folklore, a merman striving to alter the often-misunderstood reputation of water creatures. While primarily focusing on Japanese tales, this inclusion serves as a bridge to contemporary issues of reputation and self-control.

• Moral of Self-Improvement: The Dinymara’s efforts emphasize the importance of personal responsibility and the impact one individual can have on changing collective perceptions.

  • Notable Quote:
    [80:45] Carissa Weiser: "The Dinymara knows you can only control yourself and you should be the non-murderous, non-menacing change you want to see in the world."

Themes and Insights

Episode 410 skillfully interweaves tales that explore:

• Trust and Betrayal: Kenshiro’s faith in the village and subsequent betrayal by Jinpachi highlight the fragile nature of trust.

• Duty and Leadership: The Governor and Deputy Governor’s struggles underscore the burdens of leadership and the ethical dilemmas faced by those in power.

• Redemption and Legacy: The completion of the sutras symbolizes the enduring impact of one’s actions and the pursuit of legacy through dedication and service.

• Divine Justice and Karma: Jinpachi’s supernatural punishment serves as a narrative tool to convey moral lessons about the inevitability of karma.

Conclusion

Through these interconnected stories, Myths and Legends offers a profound exploration of human nature, societal structures, and the supernatural elements that permeate traditional Japanese folklore. The nuanced narratives not only entertain but also prompt listeners to reflect on the timeless principles of integrity, redemption, and the lasting power of one's legacy.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

1. Kenshiro on Betrayal:
   [12:45] Jason Weiser: "Kenshiro wasn't asking for nothing. But even rounding up to $50 in 2025 money, it was almost nothing to a man like Jinpachi."

2. Monastery's Monkeys Devotion:
   [23:30] Carissa Weiser: "They arrived just before he began, took a seat toward the back, listened the entire time, and then left."

3. Governor on Divine Justice:
   [49:20] Jason Weiser: "He clasped his hands and said, louder than the servant needed, that this was clearly divine justice."

4. Dinymara’s Moral:
   [80:45] Carissa Weiser: "The Dinymara knows you can only control yourself and you should be the non-murderous, non-menacing change you want to see in the world."

Final Thoughts

Episode 410 stands out not only for its intricate storytelling but also for its ability to seamlessly blend multiple narratives into a cohesive and meaningful exploration of folklore. Whether you're a long-time listener or new to the series, this episode provides a rich and engaging journey through Japan's mythological landscape, leaving you with both entertainment and thoughtful reflections on the stories that shape our cultural consciousness.