Yanagita Kunio

Yanagita Kunio (1875-1962) was a prominent Japanese folklorist, writer, and scholar known for his work in collecting and interpreting Japanese folklore, mythology, and rural culture. He played a crucial role in establishing folklore as an academic discipline in Japan. His most famous work, "Tono Monogatari" (Tales of Tono), is a collection of stories and legends from a rural area in Japan, reflecting the rich oral traditions of the time. Yanagita's insights into the spiritual and social dimensions of folklore have influenced both literature and anthropology, contributing to a deeper understanding of Japan's cultural heritage.