Today’s yokai was a special request via Facebook: kosenjōbi.

There are lots and lots of fireball-type yokai. Collectively, they are called hinotama. Taking a step back futher, there is a special word in Japanese for supernatural fires: kaika. While researching for this book, part of what I covered was the etymology of the words used to describe evil spirits in Japan. (It also may be partially because I am a word geek and etymology draws me like a moth to a flame) As you might guess, there are countless words!

I’m reminded of the story about how Eskimos and Inuit peoples have dozens and dozens of words for snow because they are surrounded by it. I can only imagine that the reason Japanese has so many words for supernatural creatures is because they have played an important part in Japanese culture for thousands of years. (As a word geek, I am also aware that the Eskimo thing is a myth, but it does support the point I am trying to make so I’m just going to go with it.)

Anyway, here is today’s kaika. Click to read more: