2.7 Yonamine and Bushi - Class 6 - Kumarbharati

Author: (Textbook Folktale Adaptation – Japanese Story)

Genre: Folktale / Inspirational Story

Textbook: English Kumarbharati – Class 6

Board: Maharashtra State Board

English Summary

The story Yonamine and Bushi is based on a folktale from Okinawa, Japan. Yonamine Chiru was an admired and strong girl trained in Karate. She declared that she would marry only a man who could defeat her in a fair fight. Many men tried, including the strong Kojo, but all failed. Finally, Bushi Kiyo, one of King Shoko’s personal guards and a skilled warrior, fought her. In a tough match, Bushi defeated Yonamine when she paused briefly. Yonamine and Bushi married, and she proved to be kind, loving, and hardworking at home. Once, when Yonamine planned to visit her parents at night, Bushi disguised himself as a bandit to test her. She easily defeated and tied him to a tree without realising he was her husband. Later, when Bushi revealed the truth, he admitted that Yonamine had taught him a lesson never to underestimate anyone—especially a woman. The story highlights respect, equality, and strength in both genders.

Theme / Central Idea

The story emphasises gender equality, respect, and the idea that strength and wisdom are not limited to men. It teaches the lesson of never underestimating others, especially women.

Character Sketches

Yonamine Chiru

• Strong, intelligent, and beautiful girl from Okinawa.

• Skilled in Karate, undefeated by many challengers.

• Brave and confident, declared she would marry only a worthy fighter.

• Also kind, caring, and responsible in her married life.

• 
  

Bushi Kiyo

• A skilled warrior trained under master Sakugawa.

• Served as King Shoko’s personal guard.

• Strong, fearless, and intelligent.

• Learned the important lesson of not underestimating anyone, even his wife.

  
  

Kojo

• A wrestler who was bigger and stronger than Yonamine.

• Tried to cheat by attacking her unfairly.

• Defeated by Yonamine due to his dishonesty.

• Represents arrogance and lack of sportsmanship.

Word Meanings

Grammar Questions (5)

1. Infinitive / Gerund

   Sentence: “Yonamine wanted to marry a strong man.”

   Answer: The infinitive is to marry. It shows Yonamine’s condition for marriage.

   
   

2. Passive Voice

   Change the voice: Yonamine defeated Kojo in the fight.

   Answer: Kojo was defeated by Yonamine in the fight.

   
   

3. Modal Auxiliary

   Use ‘must’ in a sentence based on the story.

   Answer: A true fighter must follow the rules of fairness.

   
   

4. Tense Change

   Change into future tense: Yonamine tied the bandit to a tree.

   Answer: Yonamine will tie the bandit to a tree.

   
   

5. Wh-question framing

   Make a Wh-question for the underlined part: Yonamine was admired in Okinawa.

   Answer: Where was Yonamine admired?

   
   

Personal Response Questions (5)

1. Question: What do you learn from Yonamine’s character?

   Answer: Yonamine’s character teaches me the value of confidence and determination. She shows that women can be strong and independent while also being caring and responsible.

   
   

2. Question: Do you think Bushi was right to test Yonamine by disguising himself? Why?Answer: Bushi was not right to test Yonamine because it showed distrust. However, it became a turning point where he realised her strength and learned not to underestimate women.

   
   

3. Question: Why is honesty important in a competition?

   Answer: Honesty is important in a competition because it shows respect for the opponent. Cheating, like Kojo did, only leads to defeat and loss of respect.

   
   

4. Question: Do you believe strength alone makes a person great? Why or why not?Answer: Strength alone does not make a person great. Qualities like fairness, honesty, respect, and kindness are equally important for true greatness.

   
   

5. Question: What message does this story give about women?

   Answer: The story gives the message that women are strong, capable, and equal to men. They deserve respect and should never be underestimated.

   
   

True or False (5)

1. Yonamine Chiru was weak and delicate. → False (She was strong, skilled, and confident.)

2. Kojo tried to defeat Yonamine by unfair means. → True

3. Bushi was a personal guard of King Shoko. → True

4. Yonamine easily recognised Bushi when he disguised as a bandit. → False (She tied him without knowing it was him.)

5. The story ends with both Yonamine and Bushi laughing together. → True

   
   

Probable Board / Exam Questions (5)

1. Question: What condition did Yonamine put for her marriage?

   Answer: Yonamine declared that she would marry only a man who could defeat her in a fair fight. This showed her confidence and self-respect.

   
   

2. Question: How did Yonamine defeat Kojo?

   Answer: Kojo attacked unfairly while bowing, but Yonamine caught his arm and twisted it powerfully. His dishonesty led to his defeat

   
   

3. Question: Why did Bushi want to marry Yonamine?

   Answer: Bushi wanted to marry Yonamine because he admired her strength and confidence. He believed in marrying a strong and capable partner instead of a fragile girl.

   
   

4. Question: What lesson did Bushi learn at the end of the story?

   Answer: Bushi learned never to underestimate anyone, especially a woman. He realised that strength and courage are not limited to men.

   
   

5. Question: How is the story of Yonamine and Bushi inspiring?

   Answer: The story is inspiring because it shows equality, respect, and courage. It encourages people to respect women’s strength and to value honesty and fairness in relationships and competitions.

   
   

Appreciation / Reflection Paragraph

The story Yonamine and Bushi is a powerful folktale from Okinawa that combines courage, fairness, and respect. Yonamine stands out as a strong and independent woman, while Bushi proves to be her equal partner. The twist of Bushi disguising as a bandit adds drama, and the ending highlights the lesson of not underestimating others. The story is memorable because it challenges gender stereotypes and celebrates equality. Its moral value lies in promoting fairness, honesty, and mutual respect in relationships. The lesson inspires readers to believe in the strength of women and to value both courage and kindness in life.

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