SOLVED. Children's or YA book with child narrator with Japanese folklore not based in present day. [s]

[Lottie]

I read this book in 2011 in my elementary school classroom, it looked like it could have been anywhere from 5 years worn to older. I have no way of knowing whether it was originally published in Japanese or English but based on how easy I was able to understand the context as a child I would assume it was published in English?

If i remember correctly the protagonist was very independent, traveling on his own and such? I remember the involvement of oni's specifically in the book as well.

[Genesistrine]

The Plum-Rain Scroll by Ruth Manley?

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...

[Lottie]

No, that's not it. Thank you though!

[Rainbowheart]

Grass Sandals?

[Lottie]

No that's not it either.. thank you for your help! I'm trying to think if there's anything else I could add. I faintly remember something along the lines of the protagonist having a brother? His brother was educated in sword use too and the protagonist was interested in it too?

[Lottie]

I've found the book! It's The Ghost in the Tokaido Inn, thank you everyone who helped me look for it

[Rainbowheart]

Awesome, glad you found it!