Once upon a time, there was an old couple who had no children. Every day, they prayed to the gods, hoping to have a child. One day, while the old woman was washing clothes by the river, she saw a very large peach floating down the river. She thought it was very novel, so she scooped up the peach and took it home.
After returning home, the old couple decided to cut the peach open to see what was inside. When they cut the peach open, they found a little boy who was only one inch in size. The old couple was very surprised and delighted, and they raised this little boy as their own child and named him Issun Bōshi.
Although Issun Bōshi was very small in size, he was extremely clever and brave. When he was 12 years old, he told the old couple that he wanted to go out and explore the world, see the outside scenery, and experience some adventures. Although the old couple was very reluctant to let him go, they still agreed. Issun Bōshi took a needle made by the old couple as his sword, a bowl as his boat, and a small hammer. This small hammer had magical power. As long as a spell was recited, it could make things larger or smaller.
After Issun Bōshi set off, he put the bowl on the water, sat in it himself, and moved forward along the river. On the way, he met a large toad. The toad opened its big mouth and wanted to eat him. Issun Bōshi bravely pulled out his needle - sword and fought with the toad. Finally, he stabbed the toad in the eye with his needle - sword, and the toad had to run away.
After traveling for some time, Issun Bōshi came to a large city. In this city, there was an evil monster. The monster kidnapped the princess and locked her in a castle. The king was very worried and put up a notice. Whoever could rescue the princess would marry the princess and would also be rewarded with a lot of gold, silver, and treasures.
After seeing the notice, Issun Bōshi decided to challenge the monster. He came to the front of the monster's castle. Using his magic small hammer, he made himself bigger and turned into a strong young man. Then he walked into the castle and launched a fierce battle with the monster. The monster was very powerful. It sprayed out flames, trying to burn Issun Bōshi to death. But Issun Bōshi was very agile. He skillfully avoided the flames and then stabbed the monster's vital part with his needle - sword.
After a hard fight, Issun Bōshi finally defeated the monster. He found the princess locked deep in the castle. The princess was very grateful when she saw him coming to rescue her. Issun Bōshi took the princess back to the city.
The king was very happy. As the notice said, he married the princess to Issun Bōshi. Issun Bōshi used the magic small hammer to turn himself back to one - inch size again and lived a happy life with the princess. He also brought the old couple to the castle and shared the splendor and wealth together.
