Around the World in Stories: A Weekly Journey Through Culture and Wonder

In Japan, some peaches are so prized they can cost over three hundred dollars each. Last week we talked about how exploring new lands is about discovering their tastes and tales. And today’s story from Japan begins with just such a taste… a giant, magical peach. Picture a little wooden house near a clear, cool stream. An old woman is washing clothes, her hands gentle in the water. Suddenly, something huge bumps against the riverbank. It’s a peach. But not just any peach. It’s as big as a winter melon.

She struggles, but manages to roll it all the way home to her husband. They are kind people, who have always wished for a child. They set the giant peach on their table, ready to share it. But as the old man raises his knife… the peach splits open on its own. And inside… is a crying baby boy. They name him Momotaro, which means Peach Boy. He grows up strong, and kind, and brave. One day, terrible news arrives. Fearsome ogres, called Oni, are terrorizing the nearby villages from their island fortress.

Momotaro, now a young man, bows to his parents. “I must go,” he says. “I will defeat the Oni and bring back peace.” His mother nods, her heart both proud and worried. She packs him a pouch of the most delicious millet dumplings, called kibi dango. “These will give you strength,” she says. On his journey, Momotaro meets a dog. The dog barks, “Where are you going, Momotaro?” “To fight the Oni,” he replies. “Give me one of your dumplings, and I will come with you.” Momotaro shares his food. And the dog becomes his loyal friend.

Soon, they meet a clever monkey swinging from a tree. Then, a sharp-eyed pheasant. To each, Momotaro offers a precious kibi dango. And from each, he gains a friend. Together, the four of them sail across the sea. They arrive at the island of the Oni. A huge, black castle with iron gates looms over them. It’s a scary place. But they are not afraid. They have each other. The pheasant flies over the wall, pecking at the Oni guards. The monkey scurries up the gate and unlatches it from the inside. The dog rushes in, biting and barking.

And then comes Momotaro. He doesn’t just fight with his sword. He stands before the Oni chief and speaks with courage. He tells them of the villagers’ fear, and why peace must be restored. The Oni chief, seeing the boy’s bravery and the loyalty of his friends, is amazed. He lowers his iron club. He promises to return everything he has stolen and to never bother the people again. Momotaro and his friends gather the treasures—gleaming coins and sparkling jewels—and load them onto their boat. They return home not as a boy and three animals, but as four heroes.

Four friends. Momotaro gave all the treasure to his parents and the villagers. He didn't keep a single coin for himself. I’ve traveled all over Japan, and you still hear his story. The story of how sharing a little bit of what you have… can help you conquer giants. When I picture him, he’s back home, under a cherry tree, sharing rice balls with a dog, a monkey, and a pheasant, all of them watching the pink petals fall.