CATACI Illustrates Japanese Folklore Book: Dark & Dreamy Tales from Japan

CATACI is delighted to announce its collaboration on Dark & Dreamy Tales from Japan: Curious Legends from the Greatest Storytellers on Earth, a newly released illustrated Japanese folklore book bringing classic legends of Japan to an international readership.

Published in the United States on August 5, 2025, the book is being released this month in the United Kingdom and worldwide, making these timeless Japanese folk tales accessible to readers across global markets.

An Illustrated Collection of Classic Japanese Folk Tales

Dark & Dreamy Tales from Japan features twenty-one traditional Japanese stories, carefully selected from the country’s rich folklore tradition. The collection includes well-known legends such as The Tongue-Cut Sparrow, Urashima Tarō, The Bamboo Cutter and the Moon Child, and The Ogre of Rashōmon.

These stories explore a world of yōkai, magical animals, spirits, heroes, and moral lessons—narratives that continue to influence modern anime, manga, film, and literature worldwide. This illustrated edition offers both longtime admirers of Japanese culture and first-time readers a visually immersive entry point into these enduring tales.

Manga-Inspired Illustrations Created in Collaboration with CATACI

The book’s illustrations were created in collaboration with CATACI, a Japanese illustration and manga production agency specializing in culturally authentic artwork for international publishing and branding projects.

Blending manga-inspired visual storytelling with a refined illustrative approach, each artwork captures the emotional depth, atmosphere, and symbolism of the original legends. The visual style bridges traditional Japanese storytelling and contemporary illustration, helping modern readers connect with stories that span centuries.

Bridging Japanese Cultural Heritage and Global Publishing

This project reflects CATACI’s ongoing mission to adapt authentic Japanese storytelling for global audiences, working closely with international publishers to ensure cultural accuracy, visual quality, and market relevance.

By combining deep knowledge of Japanese folklore with experience in international illustration production, CATACI supports publishers seeking high-quality Japanese mythology and folklore content that resonates beyond Japan.

Sharing Japanese Folklore with Readers Around the World

CATACI is honored to contribute to the worldwide release of Dark & Dreamy Tales from Japan and to help bring the richness of Japanese folk tales and legends to bookshelves across the globe.

This collaboration highlights the growing international interest in illustrated Japanese folklore, manga-inspired art, and culturally grounded storytelling—an area where CATACI continues to serve as a trusted creative partner for publishers and brands worldwide.