Empress Kaguya (myth)

Empress Kaguya, also known as Kaguya-hime, is a central figure in Japanese folklore, particularly in the tale "The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter." She is a mysterious princess from the Moon, discovered as a tiny girl inside a bamboo stalk. A bamboo cutter raises her, and she grows into a stunning beauty, attracting numerous suitors. Kaguya reveals her celestial origin and ultimately decides to return to the Moon, leaving her earthly life behind. Her story explores themes of beauty, longing, and the ephemeral nature of life, making it an enduring part of Japanese cultural heritage.