Do you know what the Tsukumogami are? One of ghosts!

The Japanese culture is full of curiosities and the story that we are going to tell you next, really, is not far behind...Some spooky objects that come to life when they turn 100! And what do their owners do? According to a Japanese legend when everyday objects, whatever they are, sandals, umbrellas, jars...turn 100 years old , come alive. Yes, You have read well, they come alive! It seems that a soul seizes them , a way to reward objects that have survived 100 years.

The Tsukumogami, like the Yokai (supernatural creatures of the Japanese culture) in general are not usually dangerous, although it depends on the use that their owner gave them in life, what they usually are is very naughty .They are something like Elves or trolls in Western culture.If they were thrown out by old people they would try to annoy their old owners.The meaning of this myth is that you have to have respect for all objects.

Among the Tsukumogami are:

Bakezōri

A very nice spirit; It is an old straw sandal with arms and legs and an eye in the middle.

Biwa-Bokuboku

It is an anthropomorphic being in the shape of Biwa (musical instrument).It is felt playing his music.

Boroboroton

It's a woven blanket.If he feels forgotten by his owner, he will try to kill his owner.

Kasa-obake

The best known of all.

A nice umbrella with one eye in the middle, a very long tongue and a foot that makes mango.

Other Tsukumogami are kameosa (the old sake jars), the Morinji-no-okama (the teapot), the katama (the sword), the zorigami (the clocks) and the furu utsubo (an old jar), among others.

The artistic representation of the Tsukogomani took place in the Edo period (1603-1868).His best-known artist is Toriyama Sekien.

The Yokai in Japanese mythology a

Japanese mythology is tremendously complex.Only the Pantheon Shinto has 8 million Kami (Japanese spirits or gods. Myths are based on the Kojiki, the oldest book in Japanese myths and history, the Nihonshoki, the second oldest book and some other books.

The yokai whose term can be translated by « monster » or « apparitions » can be from tremendously harmless to tremendously evil.They are immune in the face of any human attack and usually behave quite arrogant .If we don't avoid them, we can have problems with them.

To free ourselves from a yokai that is bothering us we have to look for a monk or an expert blessed by Buddha to help us, although Fortunately, many Yokai live apart and avoid contact with people or even live well with them.

There are many types of yokai.In fact, there are more than 200 , some even hybrid , half animal half man.

If you are interested in articles about Japan, you may also be interested in The most curious Japanese ghosts.

Image: Stuart Rankin, Uploaded by Magicgarden, Uploaded by Amcaja, Uploaded by Tobosha