Kamaitachi is a Japanese yōkai and can also refer to the strange events that this creature causes. They appear walking in whirlwinds of dust, and they cut people using the claws on both hands that are like scythes. One would receive a sharp and painless wound.
Furthermore, they are often associated with weasels. Remembering that weasels, or Itachi, are not well regarded in Japan. Here on the site, we have a good article discussing these animals, it’s worth taking a look.
Among other things, we will mainly discuss Kamaitachi as a Yokai. After all, a natural phenomenon is not a very interesting thing to associate with culture. For this reason, let’s learn a little about Kamaitachi in Japanese culture.
Table of Contents
Kamaitachi and its origins
Kamaitachi was initially thought to be a type of derivative of the word “kamae tachi,” which means posture sword. However, due to some events that occurred, it was repurposed and described as a weasel yokai.
Thus, kamaitachi established itself as the yokai it is today. In a certain book, it is mentioned that children on a property called Kagaya in Edo were caught in a whirlwind. Later, on the surface of their backs, the tracks of a beast remained. In the book, it was written that this was proof of a “kamae tachi.”
Thus, kamaitachi became known as an animal with fur like that of a hedgehog and a cry like that of a dog. Having the ability to fly through the air with wings, they are said to attack people with limbs resembling a scythe or razor.
Legends about Kamaitachi
One thing we know well is how rumors spread. Legends are almost the same thing, thus they also have variations. This leads to the creation of several versions of the same creature. Therefore, let’s present some versions about kamaitachi.
The devilish winds that cut people are mentioned in the regions of Chūbu, Kinki, and other areas. There are many legends passed down in snowy regions, and there are some areas that call whirlwinds “kamaitachi.” On occasions of cold wind and other times, they are also a strange event in which someone would fall and have an injury to the leg.
In the area of Yoshio district, in Nara prefecture, we have another version. It is said that when someone is bitten by a kamaitachi, they fall and receive a large wound. However, no blood comes from the wound, even with a large opening in the flesh. Furthermore, the Kamaitachi is invisible to the human eye.
In Hida, in the Niu River basin, it is said that in legends, Kamaitachi is a company of 3 evil gods. The first god would knock the person down, the next god would cut with a blade, and the third god would apply a medicine. Thus, the wound would have no bleeding or pain. There are also regions that think of these three gods as father, son, and brother.
Kamaitachi in ancient writings
In the Edo period, we have the essay “Sōzan Chomon Kishū” by Miyoshi Shōzan. It mentions a feudal warrior from Owari. In the essay, it is stated that the wounds from a kamaitachi do not initially result in pain or bleeding.
However, after some time, the wound brings intense pain and large amounts of bleeding. And they are so severe that sometimes even the bones can be seen from the opening of the wound. Reaching the point of being life-threatening.
Also read our article discussing 15 Yokai, myths, and Japanese legends.
The essay also states that a kamaitachi cannot jump higher than about 1 shaku, about 30 centimeters. After all, the wounds are often received in the lower part of the body.
We have several other references, but there are almost no differences, so we will ignore the others. But you are welcome to comment on any characteristic or reference that you know.
Furthermore, you can very well ask, suggest something, or something like that in the comments. Additionally, share and like the site page on social media, it helps a lot with the promotion. Thank you for reading the article up to here, until next time.
Leave a Reply