Hōsōgami

The Hosōgami is a form of Yokai or Kami from Japanese myth. He was considered the god of smallpox and he was offered food in exchange for protection. The color red was often used to ward off Hosōgami, so patients were given red caps, socks, and sheets. People would also consume a dish called Sekihan made from red beans and rice. Rituals involving the Hosōgami would involve Gohei staff decorated with red strips of paper and some districts made straw dolls with sekihan balls and Waraji straw sandals and put them into the road, to give the Hosōgami an easy trip home. Small coins may be added to make the journey easier. A law of compulsory vaccination was issued in 1874.

Citations:

Joya, Mock. Japan And Things Japanese. United Kingdom, Taylor & Francis, 2017.