I personally think today’s yokai is a bit cute. But I still wouldn’t want it infecting me!

Koshiita no mushi
腰痛の虫

Translation: lower back pain worm

Koshiita no mushi is another worm that infects the kidneys. In this case, it’s not so strange though, as it mainly affects the lower back. It has a black head and a white body, with a long pointed beak like a bird.

It uses this beak to peck at its host’s muscles from inside the body, causing all sorts of pain throughout the lower back. The lower back begins to feel heavy and sore, and in severe cases movement becomes impossible.

Treatment is accomplished using the dries roots of the thistle mokkō (Saussurea costus).