The aim of this paper is to demonstrate the existence of the Daphne archetype represented in Ovid’s Metamorphosis in context of the character Kaguyahime from the Japanese ancient monogatari piece The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter (Taketori Monogatari). The subjects of this study are compared and analyzed, focusing primarily on the source texts with additional literary and cultural interpretations. There are motif and narrative similarities especially in the element of mutual metamorphosis, observable in the role of strong feminine symbolism (lunar) in contrast to the aggressive (solar) behavior of the male characters of Apollo and the Emperor. The comparison shows us the resemblance between family stories and character traits of Daphne and Kaguyahime, manifested through individual rebellion against imposed authoritative male figures and the marriage values of the society. In conclusion, we can observe the Daphne archetype in the motif of the metamorphosis of Kaguyahime, its cause and consequences. In the texts, violent masculinity initiates the physical transformation of the female heroines, which in turn compel the male characters towards an inner transformation.