Buzz
[WARNING: some images may be considered mildly NSFW] Over the years, we’ve encountered numerous compilations of mythical entities, such as a detailed list focusing on Filipino monsters. Yet, Japanese folklore stands out with its uniquely peculiar and often astonishing supernatural creatures. Below, we explore some of the most extraordinary beings from Japan.
10. Kappa
At first glance, a Kappa might not seem particularly extraordinary. This goblin-like entity, often described as a water monkey, features a hollow on its head filled with water from its home spring. Should this water spill, the Kappa loses its supernatural abilities. While they typically consume blood, Kappas can exhibit both benevolent and malevolent traits. They have a fondness for cucumbers, and families seeking to appease or gain favor from a Kappa often inscribe their names on cucumbers and toss them into the creature’s pond. Known for their politeness and commitment to promises, Kappas are fascinatingly diverse in Japanese tales, with numerous specific variants such as one-eyed Kappas, hairy Kappas, timid Kappas, mountain-dwelling Kappas, and even those known for their love of festivities.
9. Heikegani
The Heikegani earns its place on this list for a fascinating reason: it is a real creature. Native to Japan, the Heikegani crab is an arthropod species steeped in legend. Japanese folklore suggests that these crabs carry the faces of Heike samurai who perished in the battle of Dan-no-ura, and remarkably, their shells do resemble human facial features. Carl Sagan theorized that ancient Japanese people selectively consumed Heikegani crabs lacking these facial markings, allowing those with human-like features to survive and reproduce. Today, most Heikegani crabs exhibit these face-like patterns, but their small size, measuring only 1 to 2 inches in diameter, makes them a rare culinary choice.
8. Kasa-obake
The Kasa-obake belongs to the Tsukumogami category – objects that gain life after reaching 100 years of age. The concept of lifeless items developing spirits over time aligns with the peculiar nature of legends and folklore. What makes the Kasa-obake particularly intriguing is the frequency with which umbrellas were said to animate, leading to their unique classification. Essentially, a Kasa-obake is an animated umbrella, distinct from other Tsukumogami.
7. Nuppeppo
The Nuppeppo remains shrouded in mystery, leaving much to the imagination. These animated masses of flesh move about on their own hands and are typically seen in graveyards or abandoned temples at night. Questions abound: What is their origin? Why do they exist? Do they emit an odor? Why do depictions of them often appear oddly endearing? Unfortunately, there’s a lack of detailed information about this creature, which seems tailor-made for horror stories.
6. Makura-Gaeshi
Japanese folklore often stands out for its peculiar specificity, and the Makura-gaeshi is no exception. This mischievous spirit is infamous for relocating pillows while people sleep. While some accounts suggest it also throws sand into eyes or steals souls, its primary claim to fame is pillow-moving. The extent of the pillow’s movement varies in tales, with some claiming it shifts pillows all the way to the foot of the bed as the sleeper remains unaware.
5. Mokumokuren
The Mokumokuren exemplifies the oddly specific nature of Japanese folklore. In traditional Japanese homes, paper sliding walls were common, but these could develop holes over time. The Mokumokuren is a spirit that resides in such walls, particularly those with holes. Neglecting repairs leads to more holes, increasing the chances of spotting the Mokumokuren’s eyes peering through. Over time, this can become unsettling, and the only solution is to patch up the holes in the wall.
4. Konak jiji
The Konak jiji is a malevolent entity that disguises itself as a crying infant, hiding in secluded mountain regions to lure unsuspecting travelers. Driven by compassion, most passersby attempt to comfort the seemingly distressed baby, only to make the grave error of picking it up. Once lifted, the Konak jiji becomes impossibly heavy, with some accounts claiming it can weigh over 350 kilograms, causing severe harm to its holder. Often, the victim is paralyzed and unable to release the creature. However, surviving the ordeal may reward the individual with magical gifts from the Konak jiji.
3. Shirime
Time for something a bit crude. Shirime refers to a ghostly figure of a man with an eyeball in place of his anus. Little is known about why such a bizarre apparition exists. Only one tale of the Shirime has been recorded, but it captivated the Japanese poet and artist Yosa Buson, who featured it in his artworks depicting supernatural beings. The story recounts a lone samurai walking at night when a voice called out to him. Turning, he saw a man disrobing and pointing to his rear, where a large, glowing eye suddenly appeared. Terrified, the samurai fled, and the Shirime was never seen again.
2. Ittan Momen
At first glance, the Ittan momen appears harmless—a strip of white cloth about 33 feet long. It flies around at night, which is odd but not inherently scary. However, if provoked or inherently malevolent, it can wrap around a person’s head, crushing their skull or suffocating them. On the brighter side, Ittan momen can be worn by those who earn their trust, though how one gains the trust of a giant flying cloth remains a mystery.
1. Akaname
The Akaname earns its place on this list due to its uniquely peculiar and specific nature. Translating to ‘filth licker,’ the name is fitting. This grotesque Japanese bogeyman is known for cleaning dirty bathrooms by licking them with its tongue, aided by toxic saliva. It is thought that the creature’s legend may have been created by parents to encourage children to maintain cleanliness in the bathroom.
