Folksburywoods Story Blog

“Get out, you interloper! How dare you steal my precious mushrooms? A plague on your house,” cried Tamaki.

The Senjen lived alone in the dark forest where he raised shiitake mushrooms. On market day, he would load his basket and head to town to sell his fungi.

“If I catch you, I will feed your entrails to the dragon fish,” cried the farmer to the fleeing villager.

Tamaki’s mushrooms were so delicious that even the governor bought them.

“I don’t know why they must come to the forest? They wish to have the freshest product, or are they greedy?” said the farmer.

The truth was a little darker. Recently, a high court official began courting a beautiful young lady. He swore that Takami’s fungi allowed him to please her desires.

“I will buy a Komodo dragon as a watchdog,” remarked Tamaki.

Instead of the villagers enjoying the mushrooms. They now rushed to sell them to the official at triple the price.

“I must ask why so many villagers are willing to risk getting hurt in the dark forest. Do they do this to eat my mushroom?” the farmer muttered.

When Tamaki learn about the official, he grew angry.

“I will not be a part of this evil plot. I grow mushrooms so my friends can enjoy them. I will end this once and for all,” said Tamaki.

Returning from the market, the farmer burned his crop except for one bunch. “Now let them come and see the empty field,” said the farmer.

When Tamaki did not go to the market, the villagers grew curious. Some even hoped he had died so they might raid his garden.

When they searched his land, they found neither mushrooms nor a house. All that remained was a hand-drawn sign.

“Gone away to live with those who will enjoy the fruits of my labors, not profit from them.”

Shortly after the official’s companion left as well.

Tamaki and his mushrooms were never seen again. The villages realized that their greed had taken away one of their valued pleasures.

The joy of eating a shiitake mushroom and savoring its flavor.

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