Title: Tears of the Dragon
Description: For many years, the presence of a dragon high in the craggy mountains has terrorized the people of a small village in the valley. True, no one has ever seen him, but their fear is very real, until one day a young boy, convinced that the dragon is not as monstrous as people think, sets out to find him. With love and understanding, Akito transforms the dragon from something to fear into a happy dragon boat for the pleasure and delight of the villagers. Eastern tradition holds that only a saint is powerful enough to control the mystic powers of a dragon. Perhaps Akito, through his selfless act shows the kinship that exists between saints and children.
Subjects: Japan, folklore, dragon
Places: Japanese village
People: Japanese villagers, Akito
Time periods: Perhaps, the Muromachi Period, or Edo Period, between 1333-1600; 1600- 1868?