Nozuchi

The Nozuchi is a yokai from Japan. They are comparable to the Tsuchinoko, and its name means “field hammer.” They have large bodies, wide mouths, and have no eyes, noses, arms, or legs. They are thought to be spirits of flora and greenery that eat humans. They supposedly originated with a monk who practiced Buddhism for selfish gain. Because he was skilled in talking, but lacked the eyes, hands, and feet for reaching wisdom, he was reborn as this creature.

Citations:

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

Sekien, Toriyama. Japandemonium Illustrated: The Yokai Encyclopedias of Toriyama Sekien. United States, Dover Publications, 2017.