Tales of Ancient Trees: Belief In Giant Trees and the Japanese Way of Life

15 Stories of "Great Trees" and "People"

An ancient tree bathed in the late autumn sunset. Its appearance is like that of a "common hermit." Droughts, floods, earthquakes, heavy snowfalls, and a thousand years of continuous disasters, these giant trees have endured and continue to live side by side, providing emotional support for the people. A historic achievement borne out in the majestic cedar approach, a persimmon tree associated with a devout Nembutsu practitioner... Sometimes majestic, sometimes simple and ordinary, the spirits of these great trees quietly watch over the livelihoods of people in this world.

Fifteen stories depict the lives of Japanese people and trees, their concepts of kami and religious faith.