The Two Frogs
Within the bustling community of Osaka, a frog prepared for his journey. Once upon a time, he’d been happy in his seaside burrow, with its cozy bed and coastal views, but with age, he’d grown sullen and cynical. He figured that another town, anywhere, must be better than here. Plus, he’d always wished to venture beyond the hill…
The frog knew if he followed the stream over the mountains, he’d find a place called Kyoto. It was rumored to be beautiful and lively, so in his eyes, he was destined to be there.
Little did the frog know that there was another frog just like him, except this one lived in Kyoto and wanted desperately to visit Osaka. This frog lived on the edge of a stream in a house built from sticks and stone. Attached to his house was a tanning deck that protruded out over the water, yet, he rarely caught flies. Instead of paying attention to what was right in front of him, he was too busy thinking of what lay beyond the great hill. Like the Osaka frog was blind to his fortune, the Kyoto frog convinced himself that the grass must be greener on the other side.
And so, two frogs set out on their journeys. But things were not as easy as they’d imagined. The great hill was more like a great mountain, and the gusty spring winds knocked them off course more than once, yet the frogs trudged ahead. They convinced themselves that the journey was difficult but worth it – because this new city would be much better than the one from which they came.
The Osaka frog reached the mountain’s peak first. He sat down on a rock and admired the view while he caught his breath. He could see down the mountain and across the valley, but Kyoto was just out of sight. He wished he were just a little taller, for if he could stand on his hind legs, he could probably see all the way to his new home.
Just then, the Kyoto frog appeared. He was panting and exhausted, also surprised when he saw he was not alone on the great mountain. It didn’t take long for the frogs to share their stories and bond over the coincidence that they both sought greener pastures. They might have talked all day and night, but when the sunlight began to wane, the frogs figured they best be on their way.
But without the sun’s warmth, the Osaka frog began to shiver. To his surprise, he missed his cozy burrow. He longed to know if the trip to Kyoto was worth it, and again, wished he were a little taller so he could see the way…
So, he came up with a plan.
The Osaka frog explained to the Kyoto frog that they should each face the direction they were headed, stand up on their back legs (holding each other’s hands for support), and then stretch as tall as possible. That way, they’d be able to gaze upon their destinations and decide whether to continue their journeys.
The Osaka frog was pleased with this idea, as was the Kyoto frog. They held hands, stretched their legs as much as they could, and then looked over the others’ shoulders and upon their new homes.
But, the Osaka frog realized with astonishment, Kyoto looks exactly like where I came from.
The Kyoto frog thought the same. What a coincidence that Osaka looked identical to where he’d just left. He could even make out a stick and stone house that looked awfully familiar…
Well, I guess that decides things, doesn’t it? thought the Osaka frog. He patted his new friend on the back, promised to write, and then he and the Kyoto frog headed back down the mountain, the same way they’d just come.
For you see, what the frogs didn’t realize was that by standing on their hind legs, their eyes fell to the back of their bodies. So even with their noses pointed forward, their eyes looked backward.
When the frogs returned home, they informed their neighbors what a waste it was to venture beyond the great hill. Osaka was no different than Kyoto, and Kyoto was no different than Osaka. Mystery solved.
As the frogs readied themselves for bed, they looked at their environment with a new sense of gratitude. While they were gone, a storm had passed through their villages. Now, as the moon rose high into the sky, their surroundings appeared soft, alive, and carried a once-forgotten, rosy luster.
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This retelling was adapted by and adapted from the Japanese Folktale as told by Andrew Lang.
