Is 'The Old Man with the Wen' a real Japanese story?

Yes, it is a very famous folktale known as 'Kobutori Jiisan.' It has been told for centuries and is a staple of Japanese children's literature, often featured in picture books and animated collections.

What is the significance of the dancing in the story?

Dancing represents the character's inner nature; the first man's dance was a selfless expression of joy, which connected him to the spirits. The neighbor's dance was forced and transactional, showing his lack of sincerity.

The Old Man with the Wen: Japanese Folklore Story and Meaning

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Once, a kind old man lived with a large, unsightly wen on his right cheek. While gathering wood in the forest, a sudden storm forced him to hide inside a hollow tree. At midnight, a group of Oni—monstrous forest spirits—gathered nearby to feast and dance. Entranced by their music, the old man emerged from the tree and danced with such genuine joy that the Oni were delighted. Wanting him to return the next night, they took his wen as a 'pledge,' magically removing it without any pain. When the old man returned home, his envious neighbor, who had a wen on his left cheek, decided to seek the same fortune. However, the neighbor was motivated only by greed and danced clumsily. The Oni, annoyed by his poor performance and sour attitude, threw the first man's wen at him. It stuck firmly to his right cheek, leaving the greedy neighbor with two wens instead of none.

The moral

True joy and sincerity bring fortune, while envy and greed only multiply one's burdens.

Questions about this story

What is the moral of The Old Man with the Wen?

The story teaches that sincerity and a joyful heart are rewarded, whereas greed and envy lead to negative consequences. The kind man's genuine love for dancing saved him, while the neighbor's selfish motives backfired.

What exactly is a 'wen' in Japanese folklore?

A 'wen' is a large sebaceous cyst or benign tumor that appears as a prominent lump on the skin. In this folklore context, it serves as a physical manifestation of a burden or a trial the characters must face.

Who are the Oni mentioned in the story?

Oni are yōkai from Japanese mythology, often depicted as ogres or demons with horns, claws, and wild hair. While often fearsome, in this story they are shown as beings who appreciate art, music, and skilled dancing.

Why did the Oni give the neighbor a second wen?

The Oni were disappointed by the neighbor’s clumsy dancing and his lack of genuine spirit. Believing he was the same man from the previous night who had lost his talent, they 'returned' the pledge they had taken, resulting in two wens.

The Old Man with the Wen