Unveil the mystery of the Tengu’s Hidden Cloak in this captivating Japanese folktale. Follow Taro’s quest as he uses wit and magic to unlock the secrets of invisibility—and finds that sometimes, clever schemes come with unexpected twists.
Tengu’s Hidden Cloak
Once upon a time in a small village lived a remarkably clever man named Taro. Known for his quick wit since childhood, Taro also loved to drink, dreaming of a life where he could enjoy alcohol without restraint.
One day, pondering how to drink as much as he desired, Taro recalled the legend of the “Tengu’s Hidden Cloak”—a mysterious garment said to render its wearer invisible. Rumor had it that tengu often appeared on a nearby hill.
Determined to obtain this magical cloak and enjoy his favorite indulgence, Taro set off toward the hill carrying a bamboo tube he usually used to start fires.
While admiring the distant view through his bamboo “telescope,” Taro remarked, “What a magnificent sight—the town looks so close!” Suddenly, a voice from near a pine tree called out, “Taro, Taro… what are you doing? What are you peering at with that bamboo tube?”
Realizing he was caught, Taro quickly replied, “This is not a mere bamboo tube—it is a ‘Senrikyo,’ a treasured heirloom that brings far-off objects near. I can even see the beautiful princess of the capital!”
When the nearby Tengu requested to see the precious object, Taro refused, insisting it was a family heirloom. Not long after, a large Tengu appeared and said, “Lend it to me. You have nothing to fear; if you’re worried, I’ll lend you my cloak for a while.”
Reluctantly, Taro accepted and borrowed the cloak. The moment he placed it on his head, he vanished from sight.
Curious, the Tengu looked into the bamboo tube but only saw darkness. “Damn it, Taro—you tricked me!” he roared. By then, Taro had disappeared completely.
Empowered by his newfound invisibility, Taro made his way to a nearby tavern. Quietly, he sat down and began drinking from a sake bottle. Before long, the patrons gasped, “Look—the sake bottle is floating on its own!”
Later that night, a drunken Taro staggered home, proudly thinking, “Now I can drink as much as I want!”
The following morning, however, Taro discovered that his cherished cloak was missing from his storage chest. Panicked, he asked his wife, “Hey! Where is my cloak?” With a wry smile, she replied, “That filthy cloak? I burned it in the stove.”
In despair, Taro exclaimed, “What?!?” But then he remembered: he had once heard that even when reduced to ashes, the cloak’s power endured. Gathering the ashes, he rubbed them on his body—and instantly, every coated part turned transparent.
Elated, Taro returned to town. Cloaked in his magical ash, he began quietly pilfering sake from the tavern. The astonished customers cried out, “Hey! Look—someone’s eyes are drinking our sake!”
It turned out that Taro had neglected to cover his eyes with the ash. When patrons splashed water on him, the ash washed off, revealing a completely naked Taro. In a panic, he apologized profusely and fled the scene.
Conclusion
Tengu’s Hidden Cloak is a whimsical tale of magic and mischief, reminding us that even the cleverest schemes can backfire. Yet, it’s this very unpredictability that makes Japanese folklore so delightfully enchanting.
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