44 Is the story of Kaguya Hime proof that aliens have visited Japan? (About Taketori Monogatari)

On this episode of Ichimon Japan we ask: Is the story of Kaguya Hime proof that aliens have visited Japan?

Topics Discussed

• An overview of the story of Kaguya Hime (Taketori Monogatari, The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter)
• The history of Taketori Monogatari
• How the tale of Kaguya Hime is sometimes called Japan's first science fiction story
• Peculiarities and confusing things found in the story of Kaguya Hime
• A breakdown of the part in Taketori Monogatari when the five suitors try to win Kaguya Hime's hand in marriage
• The epilogue of Taketori Monogatari and how it is used to explain the origins of the name of Mt. Fuji
• The 1987 film Princess from the Moon (Taktori Monogatari)
• Theories that say that Kaguya Hime is an alien from the moon
• The confusing and disjointed nature of the tale of Kaguya Hime
• How Taketori Monogatari appears to have no clear moral or lesson for the reader
• Interpretations of the meaning behind Taketori Monogatari
• Whether the story of Kaguya Hime is proof that aliens visited Japan
• And much more!

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Sources, Links, Videos, Etc.

Here are some of the English-language sources used for this episode.

• Tennin (Wikipedia)
• Mount Fuji (Wikipedia)
• Apollo 20 hoax (Wikipedia)
• The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter (Wikipedia)
• The Tale of the bamboo cutter: a study in contextualization : an annotated translation and critical examination…

Here are some of the Japanese-language sources used for this episode.

• 日本最古の小説『竹取物語』を歴史マニアが5分で解説
• 『竹取物語』のかぐや姫はどんな罪を犯して地上に来たのですか？
• 『かぐや姫』のお話の教訓は何でしょうか？
• 雑談（おとぎ話と教訓）
• 竹取物語 (1987年の映画) (Wikipedia)
• 【宇宙】月で発見されたミイラ「モナリザ」隠蔽の真実とは
• 【竹取物語】謎だらけの魅力に迫る。
• 【都市伝説】なぜ竹から？竹取物語の本当の意味がヤバすぎた...【かぐや姫】
• 月の裏側で発見されたミイラ！！【やりすぎ都市伝説】
• 竹取物語⑦：ふじの山
• JTV定期テスト対策『竹取物語』かぐや姫の昇天
• 竹取物語①：竹取物語について

Here is the video that was produced for the Apollo 20 hoax.

• Apollo 20 - Alien Spaceship On The Moon and Ebe Mona Lisa

Check out the last scene of the 1987 science fiction adaptation of Kaguya Hime (Princess from the Moon).

• Last scene of the 1987 film Taketori Monogatari/Pricess from the Moon

If you'd like to listen to the episode of Ichimon Japan about the story of Momotaro, use the link below.

• Was Momotarō a thief? (All About Peach Bob) | Ichimon Japan 09

Check out the latest episode of Japan Station.

• From YouTube to Oxford: Discussing Japanese, Gendered Speech & More w. YouTuber MissHanake (Hannah Kentridge) | Japan Station 66

Support the show by picking up a t-shirt at KimitoDesigns.com.

• Check out Kimito Designs

Japanese Vocabulary List

Most episodes feature at least one or two interesting Japanese words or phrases. Here's some of the ones that came up on this episode. All information is from Jim Breen's WWWJDIC.

• Monogatari
  • 物語 : 物語(P); 物語り 【ものがたり】 (n) story; tale; narrative; account; fable; legend
• Take
  • 竹 【たけ(P); タケ】 (n) (1) bamboo (any grass of subfamily Bambusoideae)
• Tenjin
  • 天人 【てんじん】 (n) God and man; heaven and man; 【てんにん; あめひと(ok); あまびと(ok)】 ; (n) heavenly being; celestial being; celestial nymph; celestial maiden
• Tennyo
  • 天女 【てんにょ】 (n) (1) heavenly nymph; celestial maiden; (n) (2) beautiful and kind woman
• Hagoromo
  • 羽衣 【はごろも(P); うい】 (n) (1) angel's raiment; robe of feathers; (n) (2) wings of birds or insects; plumage of birds

We Want Your Questions

Is there something about Japan that confuses you? Is there something about Japanese culture that you would like to learn more about? Is there something in Japanese history that you would like us to explain? We're always looking for new questions about Japan to answer, so if you have one, please send it to ichimon@japankyo.com.

Special Thanks

Opening/Closing Theme: Produced by Apol (YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, Fiverr)

Ichimon Japan cover art: Produced by Erik R.

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Full Show Notes

• https:///www.japankyo.com/ichimonjapan