Symbolism

If I had to choose a symbol to represent Urashima Taro and the Sea Princess I would choose a tortoise. The tortoise in this story represents good decisions, life and kindness. In the story, Urashima Taro witnesses a tortoise being abused and immediately goes to save it. Urashima Taro made a great decision to help the tortoise continue its long life. And in return the tortoise took Urashima Taro to the Palace of the Sea.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tortoise