Kamikiri/Kamikiri-Mushi

The Kamikiri is an obscure form of Yokai from Japanese myth. The name Kamikiri means haircutter, and the name Kamikiri-Mushi means “hair cutting insect.” The name is very similar to the Japanese word “Kamakiri” which means mantis, often leading to a connection between the two. They had no witnesses but were still visualized and depicted in the Edo period. They have bird-like faces, pincer hands, and big eyes. They’re often depicted with the hair they cut off falling to the ground. Some believe they may be arthropods. They live in urban areas and are sometimes found near toilets and alleyways. They can quietly sneak into places and may hide under roof tiles. They often attack sleeping victims and cut the hair from men and women very quickly. Often when awake, victims don’t notice the attack until long after since most tied their hair back. The cutting of hair was significant as it was directly related to one’s status. While often somewhat harmful, they also sometimes revealed when a man was going to be tricked into marrying a ghost or Yokai.

Citations:

Bane, Theresa. Encyclopedia of Beasts and Monsters in Myth, Legend and Folklore. United States, McFarland, Incorporated, Publishers, 2016.

Foster, Michael Dylan. The Book of Yokai: Mysterious Creatures of Japanese Folklore. United States, University of California Press, 2015.

Marks, Andreas. Japanese Yokai and Other Supernatural Beings: Authentic Paintings and Prints of 100 Ghosts, Demons, Monsters and Magicians. Japan, Tuttle Publishing, 2023.

Meyer, Matthew. The Night Parade of One Hundred Demons: A Field Guide to Japanese Yōkai. United States, Matthew Meyer, 2015.