Online dictionary of history and traditions in Japan: Sakata no Kintaro

坂田金太郎坂田金時金太郎怪童丸
alternative words: Kintaro, Sakata no Kintoki, Sakatano Kintaro, Kaido maru, Kintarou
keywords: craft , famous person , kabuki , tale
related topics: Konjaku monogatari , Heian period , Edo period , Kabuki , Tango no sekku
related web sites: http://www.city.minamiashigara.kanagawa.jp/A/A0500/A0500.htm , http://www2c.airnet.ne.jp/toyo/
explanation: A legendary figure of Heian period and one of 4 followers (Shitenno) of Minamoto no Yorimitsu who killed a famous bandit, Shutendoji of Mt Oeyama. According to Konjaku monogatari he would be raised by a yamauba (mountain witch) and trained his force with bears at Mt Ashigara near Hakone. During Edo period, he appeared in Joruri and Kabuki plays as a red boy with an ax and a stomach cover. His doll is also set during the boy's festival (Tango no sekku) in May.