Jojofu

by Michael P. Waite, Yoriko Ito (Illustrator)

Though Takumi loved all his dogs as if they were his own family, his favorite was named Jojofu (Heroine), for she was the bravest and smartest dog in the land. Based on a Japanese folktale taken from the ancient Ima Mukashi scrolls, the story of Jojufo, who saves her master time and again, has delighted children and dog lovers for more than a thousand years. "Resplendent illustrations set the story both culturally and dramatically....A book that will be read and reread often."--Kirkus Reviews.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Japan, Folklore, Dogs

32 pages, Hardcover

First published September 30, 1996

Reviews

[SonataReader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jojofu, my eyes and ears.

[Abigail · Rating 4 out of 5]

The hunter Takumi learns how faithful and courageous his dog Jojofu is in this Japanese folktale retold by American author Michael P. Waite and Japanese illustrator Yoriko Ito. Out hunting in the mountains of the ancient province of Mutsu, Takumi is saved from a landslide by his canine companion—the best-loved of all his dogs—and then from falling over a cliff. Vowing to trust Jojofu's instincts, Takumi's resolve is put to the test when he awakens late at night to find his dog seemingly gone mad, and snarling at him in his tree-perch. Has Jojofu turned against him, or is she once again watching out for him...?

The answer to this is a foregone conclusion, given the nature of the tale, and the fact that the name Jojofu means "heroine," but it is still a pleasure watching events play out, as Takumi's canine friend more than lives up to her name, saving him a third time and slaying a serpent/dragon. According to the brief author's note at the front of the book, the story in Jojofu is taken from the "Ima Mukashi" scrolls, a reference to the 12th-century Konjaku Monogatarishū, a massive collection of tales in which each story begins, "Ages ago..." ("ima mukashi..."). I am not familiar with this work, but will definitely be seeking out some translations of it. As for this telling, I found it quite engaging and I also greatly enjoyed the illustrations of Yoriko Ito, whose work I have encountered before, in Alan Schroeder's retelling of another Japanese folktale, Lily and the Wooden Bowl . Folktales about faithful dogs often have a melancholy element—thinking here of the beautiful but tragic Welsh story of Gelert—so I was glad Takumi learned his lesson, and came to appreciate Jojofu fully. Recommended to young folklore enthusiasts, dog lovers, and picture book readers looking for stories with a Japanese cultural background.

[Goatllama · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gonna need you to make up your mind on whether Jojofu is the best smartest most beautiful dog ever (spoiler: she is) or a foolish goober, Takumi...

Beautiful and fun and free on OpenLibrary! 😁