Translation guide
The classic fairy-tale opening. In Japanese, this is expressed with set phrases that evoke a storybook feel, often using 'long, long ago' or 'in a certain place'. The most common equivalent is 昔々 (mukashi mukashi).
昔々…
Once upon a time...
To begin a story in the style of a traditional fairy tale or folk tale.
The standard Japanese equivalent of 'once upon a time'. Literally 'long, long ago'. Used at the very beginning of a story.
昔々、あるところにおじいさんとおばあさんがいました。
Once upon a time, there lived an old man and an old woman.
A longer, more traditional opening: 'Once upon a time, in a certain place...' Often followed by the characters.
昔々あるところに、小さな村がありました。
Once upon a time, in a certain place, there was a small village.
A classical literary opening, often used in old Japanese tales like the Konjaku Monogatari. Means 'now is long ago'. Very formal and archaic.
In Japanese fairy tales, it's common to start with 昔々 (mukashi mukashi) and end with めでたしめでたし (medetashi medetashi, 'and they lived happily ever after'). This pair is the standard framing for children's stories.
今は昔、竹取の翁といふ者ありけり。
Once upon a time, there was an old bamboo cutter.