Kachikachi Mountain (かちかち山) is a Japanese folk tale that features a mischievous tanuki (Japanese raccoon dog) and a revengeful rabbit. The story is full of violence, trickery, and humor, and reflects the historical and cultural context of its origin. In this article, we will explore the plot, the characters, and the possible meanings of this classic tale.
The Plot of Kachikachi Mountain
The story begins with an old man who catches a tanuki that had been playing tricks in his field. He decides to hang it up on a tree and cook it later. He then goes to town to sell his charcoal, leaving his wife to guard the tanuki.
The tanuki begs the old woman to set him free, promising to help her make some mochi (rice cakes). The old woman agrees, but the tanuki kills her and cooks her flesh into a soup. He then disguises himself as the old woman and waits for the old man to return.
When the old man comes back, the tanuki serves him the soup, pretending it is mochi. The old man eats it, unaware that he is consuming his own wife. The tanuki then reveals his true identity and mocks the old man, telling him to look under the floor where he hid the bones of his wife. The tanuki then runs away, leaving the old man in shock and grief.
A rabbit, who is a friend of the old couple, hears about what happened and decides to avenge them. He sets out to find the tanuki and punish him for his evil deeds. He comes up with various schemes to harm the tanuki, such as setting his back on fire, dropping a beehive on his head, and tricking him into carrying a heavy load of dried persimmons.
The climax of the story is when the rabbit invites the tanuki to go fishing with him on a boat made of mud. The rabbit tells the tanuki to sing a song to attract the fish, while he rows the boat. As the tanuki sings, the boat starts to dissolve in the water, and the tanuki realizes he has been fooled. He begs the rabbit to save him, but the rabbit refuses and hits him with an oar, saying that this is his revenge for the old couple. The tanuki sinks into the water and drowns, while the rabbit celebrates his victory.
The Characters of Kachikachi Mountain
The main characters of the story are the tanuki and the rabbit, who represent two opposing forces of nature and morality. The tanuki is a symbol of mischief, greed, and cruelty, while the rabbit is a symbol of justice, cleverness, and loyalty. The tanuki is often depicted as a fat, furry animal with a large scrotum, while the rabbit is shown as a slender, agile creature with long ears.
The tanuki is a common character in Japanese folklore, and is usually portrayed as a shapeshifter who can take on any form. He is also associated with alcohol, gambling, and deception. The rabbit, on the other hand, is a hero who uses his wit and speed to overcome his enemies. He is also linked to the moon, where he is said to live and make mochi.
The old couple are the victims of the tanuki’s malice, and the catalysts for the rabbit’s revenge. They are humble and hardworking people who live in harmony with nature. They are also generous and compassionate, as they spare the tanuki’s life and offer him food. However, they are also naive and trusting, which makes them easy targets for the tanuki’s schemes.
The Meaning of Kachikachi Mountain
The story of Kachikachi Mountain is not only a simple tale of good versus evil, but also a reflection of the historical and cultural context of its origin. The story is said to have originated in the Sengoku period (1467-1568), a turbulent and violent period of Japanese history when rival warlords or daimyo fought bitterly for control of Japan1
Some scholars have suggested that the story is an allegory for the political situation of the time, using animals as symbols for the different factions and figures. For example, the tanuki could represent the Ashikaga shogunate, which was weak and corrupt, and the rabbit could represent Oda Nobunaga, who was a powerful and ruthless warlord who sought to unify Japan2
The story could also be seen as a critique of the social and moral decay of the period, and a call for justice and order. The tanuki’s actions could symbolize the oppression and exploitation of the common people by the ruling class, and the rabbit’s revenge could symbolize the resistance and rebellion of the oppressed. The story could also express the desire for peace and harmony, and the hope for a better future.
The story of Kachikachi Mountain is also a showcase of the rich and diverse culture of Japan, especially the influence of Zen Buddhism. The story contains elements of humor, irony, and paradox, which are typical of Zen teachings and stories. The story also demonstrates the importance of karma, the law of cause and effect, and the concept of retribution, which are central to Buddhist philosophy3
The story also reflects the natural and artistic beauty of Japan, especially the mountainous landscape and the seasonal changes. The story mentions various plants and animals that are native to Japan, such as persimmons, chestnuts, bees, and crabs. The story also mentions various crafts and arts that are part of Japanese culture, such as charcoal making, mochi making, and pottery4
Conclusion
Kachikachi Mountain is a Japanese folk tale that tells the story of a mischievous tanuki and a revengeful rabbit. The story is not only a entertaining and moral tale, but also a reflection of the historical and cultural context of its origin. The story reveals the political, social, and moral issues of the Sengoku period, as well as the influence of Zen Buddhism and the beauty of nature and art in Japan. The story is a classic example of the richness and diversity of Japanese folklore and culture.
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