МАЈУШНИ ЈУНАК НАРОДНЕ ПРИПОВЕТКЕ, МОМОТАРО, КАО СИМБОЛ ЈАПАНСКОГ НАЦИОНАЛИЗМА
A TINY FOLK ТАLЕ HERO – MOMOTARO, AS A SYMBOL OF JAPANESE NATIONALISM

Summary/Abstract: Like many other oral traditions, the Japanese one also has a tiny hero who fights against fantastic enemies. “Momotaro”, a folk tale about the Peach Boy, emphasizes the national identity of Japanese people. It was very important during the creation of folklore studies in Japan. At the time of the samurai class domination, the folk tale emphasized loyalty, justice and filial piety. With the restoration of monarchy, it was used for the purpose of propagating the mythical roots of Japanese people, as well as of loyalty to the emperor. In times of war Momotaro’s opponents were shaped according to the situation, with the support of Japanese nationalists. Demons (oni) became bearded Russians or corrupted British soldiers, and American president was depicted as a leader of a demonic nation. Moreover, in the “Momotaro“ folktale Japanese authorities found the justification for their colonialist efforts to appropriate the natural resources of other states.

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