Kaguya-hime's Story and Themes

The video narrates the story of Kaguya-hime, a girl found inside a glowing bamboo by an old bamboo cutter. As she grows, her beauty attracts many suitors, including the Emperor. She sets impossible tasks for her suitors, all of whom fail. Eventually, Kaguya-hime reveals her celestial origin and returns to the Moon, leaving her earthly parents and the Emperor heartbroken. The story explores themes of beauty, desire, and the concept of exile in Classical Japan.

What did the bamboo cutter find inside the shining bamboo stalk?

• A rare flower

• A golden statue

• A magical sword

• A tiny girl

What did Kaguya-hime's parents name her?

• Shining Princess of the Young Bamboo

• Princess of the Moon

• Bamboo Maiden

• Golden Child

What was the task given to the first suitor?

• Fetch a robe made of fire-rat fur

• Retrieve a dragon's jewel

• Find a seashell from a swallow

• Bring the stone begging bowl of the Buddha

How did the suitors fare in their quests?

• All failed

• Two succeeded, three failed

• All succeeded

• Three succeeded, two failed

What was the Emperor's reaction upon seeing Kaguya-hime?

• He was indifferent

• He was angry

• He ignored her

• He fell in love

What did Kaguya-hime reveal about her origin?

• She was a goddess in disguise

• She was a forest spirit

• She was a princess from a neighboring kingdom

• She was from the Palace of the Moon

What did Kaguya-hime leave for the Emperor before returning to the Moon?

• A golden statue

• A letter and the elixir of life

• A piece of bamboo

• A magical sword

What did the Emperor do with the elixir of life?

• He gave it to Kaguya-hime's parents

• He kept it in his palace

• He burned it on a mountain

• He drank it

What is the significance of Mount Fuji in the story?

• It is where Kaguya-hime was found

• It is where the Emperor burned the elixir

• It is where the suitors completed their tasks

• It is where the Moon people live

What theme is explored through Kaguya-hime's exile?

• The consequences of disobedience

• The customs of Classical Japan

• The importance of wealth

• The power of love