The Secret of the White Fox

A folktale from Japan

The sparrows were sitting contentedly in the spring sunshine after a good meal of worms and seeds. The cherry trees were in full bloom, and a gentle breeze showered the birds with soft, pink petals. “Tsuki hi hosi, hoi-hoi-hoi...tsuki hi hosi, hoi-hoi-hoi,” a familiar call filled the woods.

“That’s the sankocho bird! Summer is on its way!” chirped the sp…