Kasajizō (The Straw Hats and the Jizō Statues)

Kasajizō is a heartwarming Japanese folktale about generosity and gratitude. It tells of an elderly, poor couple living in the countryside. One winter’s day, the husband set out to sell straw hats (kasa) in the village, hoping to earn money for food. Unfortunately, no one bought his hats, and he returned home empty-handed.

On his way back, he passed by a row of stone Jizō statues standing in the snow. Feeling sorry for them in the cold, he placed his straw hats on their heads, offering what little he had as protection. When he ran out of hats, he even gave up his own, leaving himself exposed to the storm.

That night, a strange noise awoke the couple. To their amazement, they found sacks of rice, food, and treasures left at their door. The Jizō statues had rewarded their kindness. The story teaches that true generosity, even from those with little, is always recognized and blessed.