Once upon a time: "Es war einmal…" in Japanese

The exhibition "Mukashi, mukashi… Wie japanische Märchen nach Europa kamen" (Once upon a time… How Japanese Fairy Tales Came to Europe) at the Volkskundemuseum Wien offers a fascinating glimpse into the cultural exchange between Japan and Europe through the lens of folklore. This exhibition, featuring works by the Vienna-based Japanese artist Takako Matsukawa, delves into the rich history of Japanese fairy tales and their reception across the continent.

Central to the exhibition is the exploration of how these narratives have served as valuable testaments to a changing perception of Japan in Europe. Traditional woodblock prints, such as Matsukawa's 1988 depiction of "Issunboshi" (the little thumb-sized boy in a rice bowl), are displayed alongside other works, illustrating the visual storytelling that accompanied these tales.

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Once upon a time… there lived an old couple in a long childless marriage.

The exhibition also revisits early European interpretations, such as the version of "Issunboshi" translated by the Viennese physician Ferdinand Adalbert Junker von Langegg. His rendition begins, "Once upon a time… there lived an old couple in a long childless marriage," leading to the birth of a son no bigger than an inch, who would go on to defeat evil forces and enrich his parents.

For audiences in Austria and Europe, this exhibition provides a unique opportunity to connect with a different facet of Japanese culture, one that transcends modern stereotypes and delves into the enduring power of storytelling. It underscores how shared narratives can bridge cultural divides and offer insights into historical perceptions and artistic interpretations.

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the little thumb-sized boy in a rice bowl.