Happy Memorial Day, U.S. readers! It’s gorgeous out and I only had a half day at work, but I’m feeling so under the weather that all I’m doing is watching anime. Lately I’ve become enamored with the simple but charming Folktales from Japan.

Each episode consists of three short fables. Each story has different art and animation, but all of them start the same way: “Mukashi mukashi,” which the Internet tells me loosely means, “Once upon a time.” Each story includes a lesson, and based on the first eight episodes, the morals especially highlight the importance of honesty and contentedness with one’s lot in life. Meanwhile, the stories dole out harsh punishments to those who give into jealousy, ambition, and greed.

With primary-colored art, silly voice acting, and (sometimes) a tendency to veer toward bathroom humor, there’s no doubt this show is for kids. However, there’s also a lot of substance here for adult fans, too. I’ve definitely seen references to some of these stories in anime aimed at adults, and now I’ll fully understand them.

Just one example of a frequently referenced tale is Urashima Tarou, the story of a fisherman who is rewarded greatly for saving a turtle. It’s mentioned in Cowboy Bebop, Love Hina, Detective Conan, and DragonBall Z, just to name a few.

You can watch Folktales from Japan on Crunchyroll.