The Peasant Ghost

A Critical Edition of “The Ghost of Sakura” as Adapted by A. B. Mitford

Abstract

This edition provides critical insight into the classic Japanese folktale comonly referred to as “The Ghost of Sakura.” Themes include the narrative of the feudal peasant, the cultural importance of the collective good, and the Western view of Japanese culture. We have also included two original essays by Mitford and an article from the New York Times in order to contextualize the cultural importance of this narrative on a global scale.