Bakezōri (化け草履) – "Possessed straw sandals with arms, legs, and one eye. Known for running around the house at night and singing nonsensical songs."

In Japanese mythology, youkai demons hold a special place – imaginative, sometimes funny, sometimes scary creatures of various kinds. We have already written about some of them. Today, we will look at perhaps the most interesting group of youkai – one that offers an extraordinary range of interpretations and integrations in cultural works. We are talking about tsukumogami – everyday objects that come to life after reaching one hundred years of age, gaining a soul and the ability to play tricks and seek revenge.

Imagine an old, yellowed umbrella that suddenly gains one leg, a large, glaring eye, and a long, drooping tongue, ready to jump out of a dark alley to scare you. Or a lantern that, instead of emitting a warm light, glows with a terrifying grimace and a ghostly tongue spewing fire. These are the grotesque versions of tsukumogami. Known as kara kasa-obake and chōchin-obake, they are just a few examples from the rich bestiary of tsukumogami. Among them, there are also much darker and more sinister ones.

Tsukumogami are one of the frequent actors in anime and video games: in the anime "Mononoke," the apothecary fights against terrifying tsukumogami, in "GeGeGe no Kitaro," they appear as helpers, and in the game "Nioh," players face animated objects with unpredictable powers. In the anime "Natsume's Book of Friends," the main character encounters tsukumogami in the form of spirits seeking peace, and in the game "Ghost of Tsushima," players can find legends and stories about these animated artifacts. They are everywhere.

However, tsukumogami are not just joyful fantasy. They also reflect the Japanese respect for objects and their spiritual value. In a culture where even the most ordinary tools can gain a soul, there is a deep connection between people and their surroundings. There are rituals, such as susuharai, aimed at cleansing old objects to prevent their transformation into tsukumogami.

This mixture of horror, mysticism, and respect for objects makes tsukumogami an incredibly fascinating topic that captivates both lovers of Japanese folklore and contemporary otaku. Let's see, then – what is it like with these living books and umbrellas?

What are Tsukumogami?

Tsukumogami are animated everyday objects that, after reaching one hundred years of age, gain a soul and consciousness. According to Japanese beliefs, these ancient artifacts become capable of independent action and often engage in various tricks and pranks, especially if they were neglected or poorly treated by their owners.

Traditional beliefs about tsukumogami reflect the deep respect Japanese people have for objects and their spiritual value. Tsukumogami symbolize aging and impermanence, as well as a reminder of the need to take care of our things. In folklore, they are often depicted as beings that can bring both trouble and help, depending on how they were treated in the past.

In the world of tsukumogami, there are many different types, each with its unique characteristics. For example, kasa-obake is an old umbrella, while chōchin-obake is an animated lantern. Other well-known tsukumogami include biwa-bokuboku, a human figure with the head of a biwa (a musical instrument), and koto-furunushi, a demonic koto with "wild" strings. There are hundreds of them.

Etymology

The word "tsukumogami" (付喪神 or つくも神) comes from Japanese and literally means "tool spirit" or "artifact spirit." The word "tsukumogami" consists of three kanji characters: 付 (tsuku), 喪 (mo), and 神 (gami).

• 付 (tsuku) means "attach" or "affix."

• 喪 (mo) means "mourning" or "loss."

• 神 (gami) means "god" or "spirit." In the context of tsukumogami, these characters together indicate spirits that "attach" to objects after a long period of use.

There are several alternative names and terms related to tsukumogami that appear in various texts and cultural contexts. For example:

• 九十九神 (kugyūkami): An alternative name for tsukumogami, literally meaning "ninety-nine spirits," emphasizing the age of the objects.

• 付喪霊 (tsukumorei): "Tool spirits," a term used interchangeably with tsukumogami. These terms refer to similar concepts but may be used in different literary and folkloric contexts to highlight various aspects related to the spirits of animated objects.

The History of the Animated Objects Motif

Heian – Early Mentions

The concept of tsukumogami first appeared in the literature of the Heian period (794–1185), known for the flourishing of Japanese culture, literature, and art. During this time, many literary works depicted spirits and demons, including tsukumogami. One of the earliest texts mentioning tsukumogami is the "Ise Monogatari," a collection of poetry and stories that includes references to the spirits of objects.

Muromachi – Illustrations and Descriptions

The phenomenon of old objects coming to life is more precisely described in a slightly later work, the "Tsukumogami Emaki." "Tsukumogami Emaki" is an illustrated scroll from the Muromachi period (1336–1573) that details and depicts tsukumogami. This scroll is one of the most important sources showing how the Japanese of that time perceived these animated objects. "Tsukumogami Emaki" not only describes these spirits but also illustrates them, giving them various forms and shapes, helping us understand how these beings were imagined.

In "Tsukumogami Emaki," one can find illustrations of various types of tsukumogami, such as an old umbrella (kasa-obake), a paper lantern (chōchin-obake), a musical instrument biwa (biwa-bokuboku), or a koto (koto-furunushi). Each of these objects is depicted with human features, adding personality and character to them.

Ukiyo-e – Fame and Recognition for Tsukumogami

Ukiyo-e, or woodblock prints depicting the ephemeral world, became extremely popular during the Edo period (1603-1868). Among the many themes they covered, tsukumogami were also featured. These animated everyday objects were often depicted as comic or terrifying characters, fitting perfectly into the ukiyo-e aesthetic that combined beauty, humor, and horror. Artists like Toriyama Sekien contributed to the spread of tsukumogami imagery, immortalizing them in their works. Sekien, known for his illustrations of yōkai, or spirits and demons, created many woodblock prints depicting tsukumogami in various, often grotesque forms, giving them human traits and personalities.

Thanks to ukiyo-e, tsukumogami gained widespread recognition and became a common topic of conversation and inspiration for other forms of art, including kabuki theater and literature.

Various Types of Tsukumogami

There are countless tsukumogami. Theoretically, there are as many as there are objects. However, some are more popular than others. Below, let's look at a list of those more frequently appearing in literature, ukiyo-e, theater, anime, and games.

▫ Abumi-guchi (鐙口) – A furry creature formed from the stirrup of a mounted soldier who died in battle. It usually waits at the place of its master's death, not moving until his return.

 ▫ Bakezōri (化け草履) – Possessed zōri (traditional straw sandals) with two arms, two legs, and one eye. Known for running around the house at night, making noise and singing nonsensical songs.

▫ Biwa-bokuboku (琵琶牧々) – An animated biwa (Japanese musical instrument) in the form of a human with the head of a biwa. It wanders around the house, playing melancholic melodies, especially when it feels neglected.

▫ Boroboroton (襤褸布団) – A possessed futon that comes to life at night. Known for strangling sleeping people, wrapping around their bodies like a constrictor snake.

▫ Byōbunozoki (屏風覗き) – A possessed folding screen that gains eyes and a face. It peeks at household members, often making them feel uneasy.

▫ Chōchin'obake (提灯お化け) – An animated lantern, also known as burabura, with one eye and a long tongue. It likes to scare people by suddenly appearing in the dark.

▫ Furu-utsubo (古空穂) – An archer's quiver that takes the shape of a snake with human arms. It wanders around looking for arrows to devour.

 ▫ Ichiren-bozu (一連坊主) – Animated prayer beads that look like a small monk. They jump and move around at night, disturbing people during their prayers.

▫ Ittan-momen (一反木綿) – A roll of cotton that flies through the air. Known for wrapping around people's heads, either strangling them or transporting them to other places.

 ▫ Jatai (蛇帯) – Possessed fabrics draped over screens, resembling snakes. They attack people by wrapping around them and preventing movement.

 ▫ Kameosa (瓶長) – A haunted sake jar that never empties. It lures people into drinking from it, often leading to intoxication.

▫ Kasa-obake (傘おばけ) – An animated paper umbrella with one eye, one leg, and a long tongue. It hops around the streets on rainy days, trying to knock over passersby.

 ▫ Kosode-no-te (小袖の手) – A haunted kimono that takes on the shape of a woman. It steals the warmth from its owners, leaving them chilled.

 ▫ Koto-furunushi (琴古主) – An animated koto (musical instrument) with a demon's face and wild strings. It plays on its own, especially at night, waking the house's residents.

 ▫ Kurayarō (鞍野郎) – An animated saddle that can move on its own. It frightens the horses it is placed on, making them restless.

 ▫ Kutsutsura (沓頬) – Possessed shoes that can take on human or animal form. In human form, they appear as a nobly dressed person with a shoe on their head, and in animal form as a furry beast with a shoe as its snout.

▫ Kyōrinrin (経凛々) – Possessed scrolls or papers that come to life and take on a dragon-like shape. They try to absorb knowledge by attacking people who read them.

 ▫ Menreiki (面霊気) – A spirit formed from 66 gigaku masks. It can take on various faces and personalities depending on the mask it wears at the moment.

 ▫ Minowaraji (蓑草鞋) – An animated mino (straw cloak) with long arms. It moves around at night, rustling and waking people up.

 ▫ Morinji-no-kama (茂林寺の釜) – A haunted kettle that can change shape and take on the form of a tanuki (raccoon dog). It amuses itself by performing tricks and deceiving people.

 ▫ Shamichoro (三味線長者) – An animated shamisen (musical instrument). It plays on its own, often causing unease among listeners.

▫ Shirōneri (白練) – Possessed mosquito nets or dust cloths that take on the shape of a spider web. Known for strangling sleeping people.

▫ Shōgorō (証五郎) – An animated gong that strikes itself, creating noise. It can wake up the household at night.

 ▫ Ungaikyō (雲外鏡) – A haunted mirror that shows terrifying visions. It can draw people who look into it into another world.

▫ Yamaoroshi (山颪) – A possessed vegetable grater with sharp teeth. It attacks people, causing minor cuts and wounds.

▫ Zorigami (時神) – A haunted clock that manipulates time. It can make time flow faster or slower for people nearby.

Examples of Tsukumogami Legends

Legend of Morinji-no-kama

The Legend of Morinji-no-kama originates from the Edo period (1603-1868) and is associated with the Morinji Temple in Gunma Prefecture. One day, a monk from this temple found an ancient kettle on the path leading to the monastery. He took it with him, thinking it would be useful. When he placed the kettle on the fire to boil water, the kettle suddenly transformed into a tanuki with paws and a tail and began dancing around the kitchen, singing cheerful songs. The monk, terrified and astonished, quickly took the kettle off the fire, and the tanuki disappeared, leaving the monk pondering what had just happened.

Soon after, the tanuki returned to the monk and proposed a deal: it would perform tricks and help the monks collect donations for the temple in exchange for safe shelter. The monk agreed, and the tanuki, transforming into various forms, attracted crowds of people who generously supported the temple. As a result, the Morinji Temple became wealthy and renowned. This story is often depicted in kabuki theater and numerous ukiyo-e prints, highlighting its popularity in Japanese culture.

Tale of Bakezōri

Bakezōri are spirits of traditional straw sandals that come to life after many years of neglect. This legend, also from the Edo period, tells of a family who had an old pair of forgotten sandals lying in a dusty corner of their home. One night, while everyone was asleep, the sandals came to life, growing arms, legs, and one eye. They started running around the house, making noise, clattering their soles on the wooden floor, and singing: “Kararin! Kororin! Kankororin! Managu mittsu ni ha ninmai!” (“Kararin! Kororin! Kankororin! Three eyes and two teeth!”).

The household awoke in panic, seeing these strange creatures running around the house. They quickly realized that these were the neglected sandals, now taking revenge for years of disregard. From then on, the family began to take better care of their belongings, regularly cleaning and repairing them to avoid tempting fate. This story is often told as a warning to children to respect and take care of their things to avoid the wrath of tsukumogami.

Story of Kasa-obake

Kasa-obake is an umbrella that gains a soul and becomes a tsukumogami after a hundred years of use. This story tells of an old umbrella that had served a family for many years, protecting them from rain and sun. When it became too worn out, it was abandoned in a dark corner of a storeroom. After many years of neglect, on a rainy day, the umbrella suddenly came to life. It gained one large eye, a long, hanging tongue, and one leg on which it hopped around.

Kasa-obake terrified the household, especially the children, who generally did not take care of their belongings. It hopped around the house, making noise. The family quickly understood that the umbrella had become a tsukumogami due to neglect. They began to take better care of their belongings, learning to respect everyday items. This story is often depicted in kabuki theater and ukiyo-e prints.

Tale of Chōchin'obake

Chōchin'obake is the spirit of a paper lantern, also known as burabura. This legend is often told in the context of festivals, where lanterns are commonly used. In one story, an old lantern that had served a family for many years was abandoned after its paper began to tear, and its frame became wobbly. One night, the lantern came to life, gaining one large eye and a long, hanging tongue.

Chōchin'obake liked to scare people, appearing suddenly in dark alleys and shining a strange, unsettling light. It often frightened passersby who did not expect such a sight. This legend was popular during festivals, where children would tell each other stories about lantern spirits to add a bit of thrill to the festive celebrations.

Legend of Karakasa-kozo

Karakasa-kozo is an umbrella spirit that often appears in Japanese folklore as a sympathetic yet somewhat mischievous character. In one story from the Edo period, Karakasa-kozo is an old, worn-out umbrella that, after many years of use, was abandoned by its owner. Over time, the umbrella came to life, gaining one large eye, a long tongue, and one leg on which it hopped around.

Karakasa-kozo loves to scare people but does so harmlessly, suddenly jumping out in front of them and laughing loudly. It is known for appearing on rainy days, trying to damage passersby’s umbrellas or making them open at the most unexpected moments. Its pranks are relatively mild, and people who encounter it often speak of it as a funny and playful character.

Tsukumogami in Pop Culture

Tsugumomo (anime, 2017, Yoshikazu Hamada)

"Tsugumomo" is an anime that tells the story of Kazuya Kagami, an ordinary high school student who accidentally encounters Kiriha – a beautiful girl who is the tsukumogami of his obi sash. Kiriha arrives to protect Kazuya from supernatural threats that suddenly surround him.

Tsukumogami play a crucial role in "Tsugumomo" as Kiriha, being one of them, becomes Kazuya’s protector and guide in a world full of spirits and supernatural beings. The series features many other tsukumogami who either help or threaten the protagonists, highlighting the diversity and complexity of these spirits in Japanese folklore.

Obake no Q-Tarō (manga, 1964, Fujiko Fujio)

"Obake no Q-Tarō" is a classic manga about the adventures of Q-Tarō, a friendly ghost who lives with the Ōhara family. Despite his supernatural abilities, Q-Tarō is quite clumsy and often gets into comical situations while trying to help or play pranks on family members.

In "Obake no Q-Tarō," tsukumogami occasionally appear, adding a humorous and mysterious element to the story. Q-Tarō and his supernatural friends often encounter various spirits and apparitions, including tsukumogami.

Natsume's Book of Friends (anime, 2008, Yuki Midorikawa)

"Natsume's Book of Friends" tells the story of Takashi Natsume, a boy who inherited a book containing the names of spirits his grandmother defeated. Takashi, who can see spirits, decides to return their names to free them from servitude.

In "Natsume's Book of Friends," tsukumogami are among the many spirits Takashi encounters. The series portrays tsukumogami, like other spirits, as desiring peace and understanding, and Takashi strives to provide this, creating emotionally deep and touching stories.

Conclusion

Tsukumogami - animated everyday objects, have amused, frightened, and fascinated the Japanese since medieval times. Over the centuries, their images have evolved from fearsome and mischievous spirits to more complex and capricious beings, reminding us of the value and respect for the items that accompany us in daily life. In literature, art, and pop culture, tsukumogami often appear, adding a unique Japanese charm to cultural works.

Tsukumogami are directly related to Shinto beliefs, in which the Japanese saw spirits, kami, in every object, tree, being, and place. Rituals associated with tsukumogami, such as cleansing ceremonies for objects, play an important role in Shinto tradition. The susuharai ceremony, performed to cleanse old items and prevent them from turning into tsukumogami, is still practiced in some parts of Japan today. Such rituals serve not only for spiritual purification but also express deep respect for objects and their history.

The numerous appearances of tsukumogami in contemporary pop culture show that the concept underlying these beliefs is not entirely dead and can still inspire. Modern interpretations of tsukumogami often blend traditional beliefs with new contexts, keeping them alive and relevant. Tsukumogami remind us that even in the most technologically advanced world, respect for the past and mindfulness towards the objects that surround us can still be significant.

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 A connoisseur of Asian culture with a deep-seated appreciation for various philosophies of the world. By education, psychologist and Korean philologist. By heart, an Android developer and an ardent tech aficionado. In tranquil moments, he champions a disciplined way of life, firmly believing that steadfastness, perpetual self-enhancement, and a dedication to one's passions is a sensible path for life.

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