(no subject)

Recurring themes in Japanese fairytales: visits to the dragon king of the sea and his castle (Chinese origin); Chinese emperors (1); old childless couple finds supernatural being and becomes its caretakers; filial piety; old age security motive for fertility; the youngest son is the most loved and nobler of a set of two brothers (2); male children displaying superlative strength; beauty and meekness as the most valuable traits for girls and women; malevolent neighbors; malevolent step-mothers; animal fables (monkeys are the most often featured).

(1) two of the stories had actually zilch to do with Japan. Were set in China with Chinese protags.
(2) google find: On Elder and Youngest Brothers.