Doann T. Kaneko

The Bamboo Princess and the Music Hands Man: Based on the Bamboo Cutter's Tale Doann T. Kaneko

Once upon a time, there lived an old couple known as the Bamboo Crafts People. They were happy but lonely, so they prayed for a child to love in their old age. One night under a full moon, Mr. Bamboo-Cutter saw a strange sight. Many monkeys were gathered by a golden bamboo acting crazy. On the next full moon, he returned. When the monkeys disappeared he put his hand on the bamboo. Ouch! his hand was stuck to the burning hot bamboo. With his knife he, cut into the bamboo. Inside he saw a laughing little baby. "Oh, Lord Buddha. Thank you for the beautifullittle girl." The old couple was so happy. They named her Bamboo Princess. Everyone in the village was talked about her beauty and her kindness Girls wanted to look like her, and boys wanted to marry her. One day, a wise young man arrived. He was a healer with musical hands. The Princess was overjoyed. She asked him to stay and take care of her aging parents. He agreed, but she told him she had to return to her true home on the moon. Mr. Music Hands asked everyone to save the PrincessThe next evening, a strong army gathered to protect the Princess. When a shooting star hit the roof of the tiny, old house, the Princess began floating high above the clouds. ¿Good-bye. Whenever the moon is full, I will be looking over you.¿ All the children in the village knew this story and soon they learnedhealing ways of tapping, musical hands to help their elders.