When I started working on this blog, I knew that I have to include this umbrella yokai. This creature is synonymous to Japanese yokai and culture. But strangely enough, there is no mention of this creature in any literature or oral history. It seems like the kasa-obake just mysteriously appear into Japanese consciousness, out of the blue.
Kasa-obake is one of the many names that this yokai is called but it looks the same in its various interpretations. This yokai is, usually, depicted as an umbrella hopping around on a single leg. Its solitary unblinking eye staring endlessly with a tongue sticking out at the ready to lick someone… anyone.
Period illustrated works typically portray the kasa-obake together with an assortment of yokai. The umbrella yokai is also found in kabuki plays performed with exaggerated jumping motions and outlandish costumes.
There are a few images that depicts the kasa-obake with two short legs, instead of one. In my opinion, this two-legged version should belong to another species, probably the karakasa-kozo. Nonetheless, the general populace places all under the same umbrella (no pun intended).
Tsukumogami or Not
As there is no literature about the kasa-obake, whether it is a type of tsukumogami, or not, is up for discussion. Although, many enthusiast would argue that the yokai evolved from a traditional paper umbrella on its hundredth birthday. And depending on how it was cared for, it can become the mischevious kasa-obake or the menacing hone-karakasa. Nonetheless, if you desperately need an umbrella, it is better to run in the heavy rain than risk a yokai in your hands.
Yokai Details
- name: kasa-obake (kah-sah-oh-bah-keh)
- kanji: 傘おばけ (かさおばけ)
- meaning: umbrella changeling
- aka:
- karakasa-obake (唐傘おばけ)
- kasabake (傘化け)
- bakegasa (化け傘)
- abilities:
- limited flight — able to fly with the slightest breeze
- panic attack — causes unreasonable anxiety by licking
