On the Ides of March, the air is thick with anticipation and trepidation. It is a day that has been etched into history, a day that changed the course of Rome and the world. For on that day, Julius Caesar, a great leader and warrior, was assassinated in the Roman Senate.

In the land of the rising sun, the Japanese have a similar concept called “Tengu no Kakuremino” or “the hiding cloak of the Tengu.” It is said that when a Tengu, a mythical creature in Japanese folklore, wears this cloak, they become invisible and can do great harm to those around them. Just like the Ides of March, the hiding cloak of the Tengu is a day of danger and potential disaster.

Both the Ides of March and Tengu no Kakuremino represent a turning point, a moment of great significance. They remind us that even the mightiest of men and creatures are not invincible, and that fate can be unpredictable and cruel.

But amidst the chaos and uncertainty, there is also a sense of beauty and poetry. For in the tragedy of Julius Caesar’s death, we see the themes of power, ambition, and betrayal that Shakespeare captured so eloquently in his play. And in the legend of the Tengu, we see the reverence that the Japanese hold for the natural world and the mystical creatures that inhabit it.

So on this day of the Ides of March, let us remember the lessons of history and folklore. Let us embrace the beauty and complexity of the world around us, and let us never forget that even in the darkest of moments, there is always hope for redemption and renewal.

Tengu no Kakuremino

Forget the Ides of March, there be Tengu here! Tengu no Kakuremino is a fascinating concept in Japanese folklore that has captured the imaginations of scholars and enthusiasts for generations. As a media scholar and folklorist, I see this legend as an important expression of the Japanese cultural worldview, one that offers valuable insights into the relationship between humans and nature, as well as the role of myth and storytelling in shaping our understanding of the world.

The Tengu, a mythical creature often depicted as a bird-like humanoid, is a key figure in Japanese folklore. They are known for their mischievous and sometimes malevolent behavior, and are often associated with the mountains and forests, where they are said to dwell. In the legend of Tengu no Kakuremino, the Tengu wears a magical cloak that renders them invisible and grants them great power. This concept has been interpreted in various ways, from representing the danger of unseen threats to symbolizing the hidden potential within ourselves.

As a folklorist, I am intrigued by the ways in which this legend has evolved over time, and the different interpretations that have emerged within Japanese culture. The Tengu, for example, has been depicted in various forms across different mediums, from traditional artwork to modern anime and video games. Similarly, the concept of the hiding cloak has been explored in literature and film, with varying degrees of fidelity to the original legend.

From a media studies perspective, Tengu no Kakuremino offers a rich case study for examining the ways in which folklore is adapted and reinterpreted across different media and cultural contexts. It also raises important questions about the role of mythology and storytelling in shaping our understanding of the natural world and our place within it.

For Folx interested in exploring Tengu no Kakuremino further, there are a variety of resources available. Some key texts include:

• “The Tengu’s Game of Go” by Lian Hearn – a novel that explores the legend of the Tengu through the story of a young girl who must outwit the mythical creatures to save her village.
• “Tengu: The Shamanic and Esoteric Origins of the Japanese Martial Arts” by Kacem Zoughari – a scholarly work that delves into the spiritual and martial aspects of Tengu mythology.
• “Tengu: Birds, Beasts, and Men – A Collection of Japanese Folk Tales” by Mary Elizabeth Mcglynn – a compilation of traditional Tengu stories and legends, with commentary and analysis.
• “Tengu – The Legendary Mountain Goblins” by Micha F. Lindemans – an online resource that provides a concise overview of Tengu mythology and its significance within Japanese culture.

By examining the legend of Tengu no Kakuremino through the lenses of folklore, media studies, and cultural anthropology, we can gain a deeper appreciation for this fascinating and enduring aspect of Japanese mythology

Let me know your thoughts below. Any comparable tales, proverbs, lore, you find could relate to our discussion here?

Cheers and I hope you’re well.

-Bumi