The Inch Prince

An elderly couple have everything they could want, except for a child; the old lady declares that she would love even a ti ny child. A passing fairy grants their wish, and they have a litt le boy just one inch (2.5cm) tall. They name him Issun-boshi, One-inch boy, “or Issy for short”. Issy grows up and goes to seek his fortune; he fi nds his way into the Emperor’s palace and is given the job of guarding the princess. When the princess is snatched by an ogre, she is rescued by the resourceful Issy with his needle-sword. The princess tries to pick up the ogre’s hammer; she wishes Issy were big enough to help, and he is magically transformed to full human size. Issy and the princess are married and live happily ever aft er.