Kasa Jizo (The Straw Hats) Coloring Pages

Kasa Jizo (The Straw Hats) is one of Japan's famous traditional folktales. It is a heartwarming story about a poor but kind old man. On a cold, snowy day, he shows kindness by putting straw hats on Jizo statues. His kindness is rewarded, and he becomes happy thanks to the Jizo statues returning the favor.

Story Origin and Theme

The story of Kasa Jizo (The Straw Hats) comes from long ago, mainly in Japan's Tohoku region, and connects to beliefs about Jizo. People love Jizo as a Buddha who protects children and travelers.

• Themes and lessons: The themes of this story are "unselfish kindness" and "rewards for honest deeds." Even though the old man is poor and struggling to find food, he offers his precious straw hats to the Jizo statues in need, asking for nothing in return. This heartfelt kindness leads to a miraculous gift of thanks that saves the old man and his wife.
• Contrast: The contrast between the bitter cold of the falling snow and the warm hearts of the old man and his wife makes the story even more touching.

Story Summary

Once upon a time, a poor old man and a poor old woman lived in a small village. They had no money to buy rice cakes for the New Year. So, the old man set off to town to sell some straw hats.

However, he could not sell even one straw hat, and the snow began to fall harder and harder. On his way home feeling sad, as he walked along the mountain path, the old man found six Jizo statues standing buried in the snow by the side of the road.

Thinking, "The Jizo statues must be cold like this," the old man placed the five remaining straw hats on them one by one. However, he was short by one hat.

The old man took off the towel he was wearing and put it on the very last statue. Then, he went home while saying sorry to the old woman that he could not sell anything.

That night, along with the sound of falling snow, a voice came from outside the house saying, "Here we go, here we go!" When the old man opened the door, the Jizo statues were standing there! At the feet of the Jizo statues, there were lots of rice cakes, rice, and treasures.

The Jizo statues were thankful for the old man's kind heart, so they came to return the favor. After that, the old man and old woman lived happily ever after.

For your coloring page, here is a trick! Try to show the harsh, snowy weather, the grandpa's warm heart, and the gentle faces of Kasa Jizo (The Straw Hats).

Basic Painting Tips

• Grandpa and Grandma:
  • Kimono: Color them with simple and humble colors, like gray or light brown. If you add dark lines for the wrinkles in their clothes, it will really look like a chilly day.
  • Straw hats: For the hats given to Kasa Jizo (The Straw Hats), use light brown or straw yellow. Draw thin lines so you can see the woven pattern.
• Kasa Jizo (The Straw Hats):
  • Body: Since Kasa Jizo (The Straw Hats) are stone statues, color them in gray or light brown. Make sure to highlight their peaceful faces.
  • Cloth hoods: Color the hoods they wear in red or deep pink. This makes a bright pop of color against the winter snow.
• Snowy Scene:
  • Snow: Leave the piled-up snow white! If you add light blue or light purple for the shadows behind trees or houses, the snow will look cold and real.

Colors for Special Items

• Gifts of Gratitude:
  • Rice cakes: Color them white and round. Give them a shiny look to make them look tasty!
  • Rice sacks: Use light brown or straw yellow. Color them richly to show how they are piled up like treasures.
• Night Sky and Snow:
  • Night sky: For the night Kasa Jizo (The Straw Hats) bring their gifts, color the sky dark blue or navy blue. This makes the starlight and white snow stand out. If you draw snowflakes in pure white or silver, they will look sparkly and bright.

Tips to Enjoy Your Coloring Page!

• Express Yourself Freely!
  • Imagine how happy Kasa Jizo (The Straw Hats) felt when grandpa put the hats on them! It is fun to add a soft, warm light around them. Express yourself freely!
• Enjoy the Contrasts!
  • Think about the contrast between the simple, poor house and the rich treasures brought by Kasa Jizo (The Straw Hats). This makes the story's magic feel even stronger, and your picture will come to life!