I remembered, during my holiday in Okinawa, having dinner one night and was served steamed sea bass with rice. Just as the waiter was leaving, I asked why is the fish’ left eyeball was missing. He replied that all the fish caught today was like that. The waiter added that Kijimuna might has taken the eyes because they are his favourite part of the fish.
In Okinawa, Kijimuna is a native yokai celebrity. The locals see them as tree spirits who like to cause mischief. These red-haired small tricksters, unlike most yokai, have both male and female genders. They are able to mate, bear young and care for their forebears. Kijimuna live, as a family unit, in banyan trees all across the islands, locally known as Gajumaru (ガジュマル).
Tales and myths of Kijimuna has been passed down through the generations for hundreds of years. They are described as child-like in appearance and behaviour. Kijimuna play mischievous pranks on villagers such as holding a sleeping man down and stealing light from your rooms at night.
Where To Find Them
If not in the Gajumaru trees, Kijimuna is seen wandering along beaches and riverbanks, sometimes accompanied by the ghostly wisps, Onibi (鬼火). The yokai, Kijimuna, are skilled fishermen who loves to eat fish and shellfish, especially fish eyeballs, but despise octopuses and chickens. There are many tales of the red-haired trickster helping humans to fish and to get rich. But eventually, the humans forget the yokai’s kindness and are punished for their misgivings.
Nonetheless, if you do visit Okinawa, and come across banyan grove, especially old ones, avoid it when possible. If unable to, be respectful of the natural area, and walk through it quickly. But most importantly, no farting. Kijimuna really, really hates farts and will throw you off a mountain, into the sea, or both, if you ever do so.
Yokai Details
- name: kijimuna (key-jee-moo-nah)
- kanji: キジムナー (きじもなあ)
- meaning: named after a old village in Okinawa
- abilities:
- camouflage — hide & disappear into the trees
- marine magnetism — ability to attract any fish
- light deprivation — absorb & take light away from any source
- mass alteration — able to increase weight & mass
