[#CreativeAwardReview] Adults, Learn from Children's Books!

For my fourth post today, I will be writing a review of Mizukagyu's "Iyo Setsuden: A Story of Okinawa's Majimun and Boys."

Mizukagyu is an author who writes children's books and picture books based on Okinawan folklore. Among the many entries for the Creative Award aimed at adults, "Iyo Setsuden: A Story of Okinawa's Majimun and Boys," which can be read with peace of mind by all generations, is a truly valuable work.

Although it is a children's book, I was surprised to find that the Okinawan folktales featured in this work are quite severe in content. The main characters are "Akana, who loves only beautiful things," and "Oni, who does not hesitate to stain their hands with blood to survive"; both have quite extreme personalities. They betray others without a second thought, have their legs bitten off, and even attempt to kidnap people.

However, throughout history and across the world, many folktales and myths contain cruel depictions. Perhaps content that feels cruel is sometimes necessary as a warning for young children and those who cannot read.

If one learns morality while enjoying a story, they can live their life while maintaining a certain level of discipline as a human being. Stories sometimes serve the role of textbooks. Even so, humans still end up committing acts more cruel than the stories meant to warn them.

Wanting to show only beautiful things to young children is a natural emotion for an adult. However, humans are complex creatures. We cannot live by looking only at beautiful things. We tell both lies and truths. We might bend our sense of justice for the sake of our beliefs because it is a national crisis. No, in fact, it is possible that such events are currently unfolding...

Since the protagonist is an elementary school student and a pair of magic glasses appears, this is likely intended for children. With bullying issues and a teacher who is obsessed only with being "correct" appearing as a threat, it is no wonder it is perceived that way.

However, these feel like a microcosm of a distorted society that respects only the ugly sides of humanity, or only beauty and justice. This work gently appeals that it is important for people to live while swaying between both good and evil emotions, as humans are complex. Don't you think this is a theme that applies to both the worlds of adults and children?

Stories have the power to move people's hearts deeply. Mizukagyu touches upon this by using the item of the magic glasses. Although it is depicted in a fantasy style, it pierces the heart quite sharply.

Although I am an amateur, I am currently posting creative works on note and TALES. I don't know how much power I have, but I have taken to heart that I must act with responsibility and sincerity when creating.

Through Mizukagyu's work, I realized many important things. I believe there should be opportunities for adults to learn through children's books.