Chōchinobake, also known as “paper lantern ghosts,” are supernatural creatures in Japanese mythology. They belong to the family of tsukumogami, which are spirits that inhabit objects that have reached their 100th year of existence, thus becoming animate. Chōchinobake are specifically created from the chōchin lantern, which is made of bamboo and paper or silk with bamboo ribs that give it structure.
According to legend, Chōchinobake awaken at night, opening a single round eye in the center of their body. They have also been depicted with two eyes at times. A split forms in the paper of their surface, along one of their ribs, creating a mouth from which they can emit a terrifying scream. Chōchinobake can also move around by hopping or floating, and they are said to be mischievous, but not necessarily malevolent.
Origins and History
Cultural Significance
Chōchinobake is a type of Yōkai, which is a supernatural creature or spirit in Japanese folklore. The chōchinobake is a type of tsukumogami, which are spirits that are said to inhabit and animate old, inanimate objects. The chōchinobake is specifically associated with paper lanterns called chōchin, which are a common sight in traditional Japanese festivals.
The chōchinobake is considered a mischievous spirit that likes to play pranks on humans. It is also believed to have the ability to scare people, especially at night. The chōchinobake is often depicted as having a long tongue and one or two eyes in its upper half.
Historical References
The chōchinobake has been referenced in various works of Japanese literature and art throughout history. One of the most famous references is in the One Hundred Ghost Stories by Katsushika Hokusai, which features a story about a woman named Oiwa-san who becomes a chōchinobake after her death.
The chōchinobake has also been featured in other forms of media, such as video games and anime. In the popular anime series Naruto, the character Jiraiya summons a chōchinobake as one of his techniques.
Overall, the chōchinobake has played an important role in Japanese folklore and has continued to be a popular subject in modern media. Its mischievous nature and unique appearance have made it a memorable and intriguing figure in Japanese culture.
Physical Description
Materials and Construction
Chōchinobake is a Japanese yokai that is believed to be created from chōchin, a type of lantern made of paper or silk with bamboo ribs. The lanterns are typically cylindrical in shape and come in various sizes. They are constructed by covering the bamboo frame with paper or silk and then attaching a handle to the top.
Visual Characteristics
Once the chōchin lantern reaches its 100th year of existence, it is said to become animate and transform into a chōchinobake. The yokai lantern is said to have a single round eye in the center of its body, which opens once it is awakened. Some depictions of the chōchinobake show it with two eyes, however. The paper surface of the lantern splits along one of its ribs, creating a mouth from which a long, forked tongue protrudes. The chōchinobake is known to have a mischievous and playful nature, often scaring humans by floating and moving around on its own.
Folklore and Mythology
Tales and Stories
Chōchinobake is a Japanese yōkai that belongs to the family of tsukumogami. According to Japanese folklore, tsukumogami are spirits that introduce into objects reaching their 100th year of existence, thus becoming animate. Chōchinobake in particular are created from the chōchin lantern, composed of bamboo and paper or silk. These lanterns, once they become animated, are said to have a mischievous nature and often play pranks on unsuspecting humans.
One tale involving the Chōchinobake tells of a man who was walking home one night when he saw a lantern floating in the air. As he approached it, the lantern suddenly turned into a Chōchinobake and began to chase him. The man ran as fast as he could but the Chōchinobake continued to pursue him until he finally reached his home and slammed the door shut. From that day on, the man never walked alone at night again.
Symbolism
In Japanese culture, the Chōchinobake is often seen as a symbol of the impermanence of life. The lantern, which represents the physical body, is transformed into a Chōchinobake, symbolizing the spirit or soul. This transformation is said to represent the idea that life is fleeting and that all things must eventually come to an end.
The Chōchinobake is also seen as a symbol of the supernatural and the unknown. Its mischievous nature and ability to transform from an inanimate object into an animated spirit is seen as a reminder that there are forces in the world that are beyond human understanding. This idea is reflected in many aspects of Japanese culture, from traditional folklore to modern-day anime and manga.
Chōchinobake in Popular Culture
Media Depictions
Chōchinobake, the paper lantern ghost, has been a popular figure in Japanese folklore for centuries. It has made appearances in various forms of media, including anime, manga, and video games. One of the earliest depictions of Chōchinobake was in the 1968 film “Yokai Monsters: Spook Warfare,” where it was portrayed as a mischievous spirit that could transform into a giant, floating paper lantern.
In the popular anime series “Gegege no Kitaro,” Chōchinobake is a recurring character that is often portrayed as a harmless, yet spooky, ghost that enjoys scaring people. In the video game series “Final Fantasy,” Chōchinobake is a common enemy that can be found in various dungeons and caves.
Modern Interpretations
In recent years, Chōchinobake has been reinterpreted by modern artists and designers in various ways. Some artists have created cute and colorful versions of the ghost, while others have focused on its more eerie and unsettling qualities.
One modern interpretation of Chōchinobake is the “Lantern Festival” series by artist Junko Mizuno. The series features colorful and whimsical illustrations of Chōchinobake and other yokai, inspired by traditional Japanese festivals.
Another modern interpretation of Chōchinobake is the “Ghost Light” lamp by designer Adam Frank. The lamp features a laser-cut stainless steel shade that projects a shadow of a Chōchinobake onto the surrounding walls, creating an eerie and atmospheric effect.
Overall, Chōchinobake has remained a popular figure in Japanese folklore and has inspired countless artists and creators throughout the years.
Artistic Representations
Chōchinobake is a popular subject in Japanese art and culture. It is depicted in various forms of media such as anime, manga, video games, and traditional Japanese paintings.
In anime and manga, Chōchinobake is often portrayed as a mischievous and playful creature with a comical appearance. It is usually depicted as a ghostly figure with a paper lantern for a head, which it can detach from its body and use as a weapon or a shield.
In video games, Chōchinobake is often portrayed as an enemy or a boss character. It is usually depicted as a powerful creature that can use its lantern to shoot fireballs or summon other spirits to attack the player.
In traditional Japanese paintings, Chōchinobake is depicted as a more serious and frightening creature. It is usually depicted as a ghostly figure with a long, flowing robe and a menacing expression. The lantern is often depicted as glowing with an eerie light, which adds to the overall ominous atmosphere of the painting.
Overall, Chōchinobake has become an iconic figure in Japanese art and culture. Its unique appearance and mischievous nature have made it a popular subject for artists and creators alike.
Regional Variations
Chōchinobake is a Japanese yōkai with various regional variations across Japan. In some regions, it is known as “Chouchinbi” or “Chouchingami,” while in others, it is referred to as “Ranma” or “Ranmaobake.”
In the Kansai region, Chōchinobake is said to have a more comical appearance, with a wide-open mouth and a long tongue. In contrast, Chōchinobake in the Tohoku region is believed to be more terrifying, with sharp teeth and a menacing demeanor.
In some regions, Chōchinobake is associated with specific events or customs. For example, in the Chubu region, it is said that Chōchinobake appears during the Bon Festival, a traditional event to honor the spirits of ancestors. In the Shikoku region, Chōchinobake is believed to be a protector of children.
Despite these regional variations, Chōchinobake is generally depicted as a mischievous spirit that likes to play pranks on humans. It is said that it can move around by hopping on its single leg and that it can emit a ghostly flame from its mouth.
Festivals and Celebrations
Chōchinobake is a popular figure in Japanese folklore and has become a prominent part of various cultural celebrations and festivals. One such festival is the Obon Festival, which is celebrated in mid-August to honor the spirits of ancestors. During this festival, people light paper lanterns to guide the spirits back to the world of the living.
Another festival where Chōchinobake plays a significant role is the Setsubun Festival, celebrated on February 3rd or 4th. During this festival, people perform a ritual called Mamemaki, where roasted soybeans are thrown to drive away evil spirits. In some regions, people also hang Chōchinobake lanterns to scare away the evil spirits.
Apart from these festivals, Chōchinobake is also an integral part of Halloween celebrations in Japan. During Halloween, people decorate their homes and streets with spooky decorations, including Chōchinobake lanterns. These lanterns are often designed to look like ghosts or monsters, adding to the overall spooky atmosphere.
In conclusion, Chōchinobake is a popular figure in Japanese folklore that has become an integral part of various cultural celebrations and festivals. From the Obon Festival to Halloween, Chōchinobake lanterns continue to play a significant role in Japanese culture.