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Home / William Elliot Griffis

Author: William Elliot Griffis

William Elliot Griffis (September 17, 1843 – February 5, 1928) was an American, who was invited to Japan by Matsudaira Shungaku. He was a teacher, prolific traveller and writer who contributed to the modernisation of Japan.
Tengu Folklore
Folklore Ninja Archives

Tengu Folklore Retold by an American (who visited Japan in 1870)

According to folklore, the ninja were the descendants of tengu – legendary beings with long noses and hawk-like heads. These beings lived in…

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Jiraiya folklore by an American in the 1800s
Folklore Ninja Archives

Jiraiya Folklore retold by an American (who visited Japan in 1870)

Editor’s note: This version of Jiraiya folklore was written by William Elliot Griffis. During Japan’s modernisation, he was invited to Japan…

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