"Hanayo no hime," or "Blossom Princess": A Late-Medieval Japanese Stepdaughter Story and Provincial Customs

Abstract

"Hanayo no hime" or "Blossom Princess" is often likened to a Japanese Cinderella story. Among the "stepchild stories" of otogizoshi (companion stories) to which the "Blossom Princess" belongs, the "Blossom Princess" has a particularly deep relationship with mukashibanashi (folktales), folk beliefs, and customs. This article highlights some of the noteworthy elements, such as the legends of "Obasute" (Deserted Old Woman) reflected in the figure of a yamauba (a mountain crone), the custom of inheritance, and the ritual of shuto-iri (the first time the bride's father enters his son-in-law's house). A complete translation of "Blossom Princess" accompanies this article and is available on the Asian Ethnology website. [PUBLICATION ABSTRACT]