Pathway to Japanese Literature

Discover Japan's stories—across time, across language.

Bubbly Long-Long and Flame-Eyed BoyAuthor: Suzuki Miekichi

Original Title	ぶくぶく長々火の目小僧
Author	鈴木三重吉
Genre	Children's Literature
Author Type	Male Author
Summary	In a world where mice wear boots and chickens bully dogs, a headstrong princess devises a perilous challenge: any suitor who can stay awake guarding her for three nights may claim her hand—but failure means death. A brave prince, undeterred by countless failed kings before him, embarks on the quest, armed with wit and three extraordinary allies: a man who inflates like a living fortress, another who stretches to the heavens, and a fiery-eyed youth who scorches enemies with his gaze. Each night, as the prince battles drowsiness, the princess transforms into creatures to escape—a pigeon, a fly, a fish—only to be thwarted by his companions’ bizarre talents. Yet the king’s wrath follows them, unleashing armies and magic. Through enchanted forests, boiling springs, and clever trickery, the prince’s loyalty and his allies’ ingenuity face their greatest test. Will their bond withstand royal deception and otherworldly trials? A whimsical, perilous adventure unfolds where courage meets the absurd, and love defies even the most impossible odds.