Hidarugami [ヒダル神] (sometimes referred to as Daru [ダル] or Dari [ダリ]) is a type of entity called Yukiai/Ikiai-gami [行逢神] that roams around mountain paths and plateau mostly recorded in Western Japan ①. Encountering this entity is said to cause the victim (both human and animal) to suddenly experience extreme hunger and exhaustion which may at times lead to the subject’s termination ②.
In Wakayama Prefecture, Hidarugami is said to the wraiths of people who died from starvation that frequently appear on the archaic paths of Kumano-kodō [熊野古道] (below) leading to the Grand Ise Shrine in Mie Prefecture, but the way to repel them is rather easy where possessed travellers may eat a single grain of rice or trace the Kanji character of rice (米) on the palm of their hand with their finger tip then lick it in order to get away from them ③.
While in Uda Dist. [宇陀郡] (Nara Prefecture), there were few check points on a path marked by venerative statues established in 1863 where Hidarugami are said to possess anyone who walks on it without carrying any food or on an empty stomach ④.
Though in most places such as Kōchi, Nagasaki, and Kagoshima Prefecture, there are deities called Shibaori-sama [柴折様] (like this Shibaori-jizō [柴折り地蔵] below within Mt. Yuzuruha [諭鶴羽山] in Hyōgo Prefecture) who guards entrances of mountain paths that protects travellers from Hidarugami if the travellers leave a branch from a thicket or green grass as votive offerings ⑤.
(sources):
1. “Nihon-wo-shiru-shōjiten” [日本を知る小事典] (1980) by Tatehiko Ōshima [大島 建彦] (1932-present)
2. “Yōkai-jiten” [妖怪事典] (2000) by Kenji Murakami [村上 健司] (1968-present)
This story of a round UFO-like vessel, referred to as an utsurobune (”hallow ship”), drifting ashore on the Japanese coast in what is now Ibaraki Prefecture is found in many records of the Edo period. The craft was marked by mysterious writing and a beautiful woman emerged, wearing strange clothing and carrying a box. Gifu University professor Tanaka Kazuo has studied the topic in detail and even written a book (under a pen name) about it titled in English The Mystery of Utsuro-bune.
Okay. I knew going in that this kanji wasn’t going to have a very cheerful etymology because of its meaning, but it’s way, way darker than I had imagined. Brace yourselves for some pretty morbid stuff.
嘆 is made of two parts: 口 (mouth) and 漢 without the ⺡. Generally, 漢 represents “China.” But not in this kanji. Ohhhhh no. Strap yourselves in.
In ancient Japan, many different sacrifices were made to different gods, and when there were famines due to drought, miko (Shinto shrine priestesses) were burned alive as human sacrifices.
The 漢 part of this kanji represents 旱魃 Kanbatsu, which can mean either “drought” or “the God of Drought.”
So if you put mouth 口 and the God of Drought 漢 without the ⺡together, you get, “a cry to the God of Drought.”
Nowadays, I would say that almost no Japanese people know about the dark rituals this kanji alludes to. This word is used most often for grieving or mourning, though, so there is still a connection to death.
Hi Tumblr…remember me? I’ve all but neglected my Tumblr account. If you are interested in following my work head on over to my Insta or DA. Here are my contributions for Mermay 2020. I give you a “High Fantasy” Medieval Siren, The Japanese Amabie (prophet of disease or abundance) and a Manta Maid.
Despite being formidable predators themselves even posing a serious danger towards humans children, a Kappa’s early life is quite fragile. Precocial at birth, most species of Kappas are completely independent and able to survive on their own immediately after hatching.
Returning to their ancestral nests, females will lay their eggs in large mounds made of leaf litter and other organic debris. These mounds are constructed within forests adjacent to ponds, lakes and streams. The forest provides much needed coverage and hiding spots for the newly hatched chicks as Kappa chicks are a favorite of the Tengu and Kitsune.
All Kappa chicks are born with a “cranial embryonic sac” which houses the nourishing and vital water it needs for it’s sometimes week long journey. The cranial sac will provide the energy needed to fuel their little bodies across the obstacle laden forest floor. These cranial sacs can last up to a year and can also be used as a floating device during needed swimming breaks. Though the life expectancy of the cranial sac is dependent on many factors, many can be ruptured with in the first couple days of life so it is imperative that the chick finds it’s pond quickly.
Ohara Koson, The Fox Dance, 1910, woodblock print.
The Fox or Kitsune, is in the cannon of Japanese mythical creatures. It is often depicted in woodblock prints and other mediums and was considered to be an extremely powerful but cunning animal, with the ability to transform into different forms, which commonly included a Buddhist priest.
Kappa on a clam , Rensai, late 19th century, netsuke.
The Kappa was a Japanese water deity often depicted with a turtle carapace long hair and a depression on the head which was used to hold vital fluids. It dwelled in rivers and was an object of great terror to small children and travellers. The carved ivory object we see here is a netsuke, which was a toggle used to hold an inro (small box or pouch containing money, medicine and other objects) in place over the sash of a person’s robe.
Various gods, some are from myth of Japan(古事記Kojiki)
神話世界の神々、河内の花祭りにて
アメノウズメノミコトAMENOUZUMENOMIKOTO
Many villages in Shitara area have Hanamatsuri festival. Some of them are different from other usual Hanamatsuri in the aspect of having stories like a stage drama. The stories came from myth of Japan（古事記 Kojiki）.
Many villages in Shitara area have Hanamatsuri festival. Some of them are different from other usual Hanamatsuri in the aspect of having stories like a stage drama. The stories came from myth of Japan(古事記 Kojiki).
The Shiro Ukari is a ghost-like Yokai found in Japan. The Shiro Ukari is a ghost-like Yokai that is white in color with a long, bright yellow eyes, and whiskers. The Shiro Ukari only appeared in a few scrolls from the Edo period and it was created by an artist and everything about it and its origin are unknown.
The Nando Babā is a small humanoid Yokai found living in storerooms in Japan. The Nando Babā is described as a short old woman who is slightly balding ad she is usually seen wearing weathered clothes. The Nando Babā loves living in dark and dirty places especially storerooms and she is very shy and jumpy so when the door to the storeroom is opened, they hide but sometimes they are caught by surprise and scream and chase people who open the door to their hiding place and if they get hit on the head with a broom they get disoriented then hide underneath the floor boards. The name Nando Babā translates to “Storeroom Hag.”
The Aosagibi is a heron-like Yokai found in Japan. The Aosagibi is described as a Black-Crowned Night Heron that started to glow as it got older in age. The Aosagibi is said to breathe ball of bluish-white fire that don’t burn or cause any damage. The Aosagibi are said to be peaceful and are easily frightened by people.
Grandfather maquette by Kent Melton. Design by me. Behind him you can see a 100+ year old Ningyo doll I purchased as inspiration when we started writing the film.
Ofuda (talisman) of Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine in Kyoto, Japan, showing foxes, snakes, and wish-granting jewels, and dedicated to the rice kami Uganomitama no Kami.
long overdue continuation to the mytho doggo series, gon do some mytho mice! starting with the lucky white mouse, attendant to Daikoku, one of the seven gods of good fortune in Japanese mythology
Solar goddess of the sun and the universe. She is the daughterIzanagi and sister of Tsukuyomi, and Susanoo, together they painted the landscape while she created ancient Japan. She was born when Izanagi was purifying himself upon entering Yomi(the underworld), when he washed out his left eye. He then placed Amaterasu as the ruler of the High Plains of Heaven. The Emperors of Japan are believed to be direct descendants of Amaterasu.
