Kunio Yanagita was a Japanese folklorist born on March 1, 1875, in Tottori Prefecture. He is best known for his work in collecting and documenting Japanese folklore, myths, and legends. His most famous book, Yanagita Kunio Complete Works, has had a significant impact on the study of Japanese culture and literature. Yanagita's approach combined academic rigor with a deep appreciation for the oral traditions of Japan. He is often regarded as the father of Japanese folklore studies, influencing many scholars and writers, including Natsume Sōseki and Mizuki Shigeru. He passed away on July 8, 1962.