There was a collection of Japanese Children’s stories in my elementary school that was the most sought after book in the library. It was a badge of honor to be the one to find it had been reshelved and carry it out on library day. I don’t think these are the same stories, but they have familiar tones and illustration techniques. The color pages are really lovely.

There’s an overall reverence for gentleness, unless you’re selflessly subduing a mythical creature. The poor, kind, childless couple is always noticed and rewarded by the universe. The greedy are always the butt of the joke.