Teru Teru Bozu – The Bald Japanese Doll

Have you ever seen a white cloth doll that looks like a ghost hanging in houses and some places in Japan? This doll is called Teru Teru Bozu and in this article, we will see some curiosities about this bald doll, its song, and its origin.

This cloth doll is hung at the edge of houses in the hope that the weather will be good the next day.

The meaning of Teru Teru Bozu

In Japan, children are taught from an early age about the wonderful powers of Teru Teru Bozu [てるてるぼうず] literally means something like bright bald head (a reference to monks).

Easily constructed from two squares of fabric or cloth, the doll is made in such a way that it represents the bald head of a monk. It can also be called teruteru houshi, terere bozu, hiyori bouzo depending on the region.

It is constructed while the weather is good, which keeps its head dry and shiny (as it wouldn’t get wet). It is usually hung in the window wishing for the rain to stop and for the weather to remain good.

Origin of Teru Teru Bozu

While the tradition is well practiced and known, many Japanese people remain unsure about the origins of the doll. It seems that this custom emerged in the mid-Edo Period due to similarities with origami dolls and names mentioned in literature.

The origins of the “talisman” Teru Teru Bozu remain vague. Some say that the obscure lyrics at the end of the song refer to a “good weather monk,” who was able to bring good weather with an enchantment.

However, after promising good weather to a feudal lord, the sun did not appear as promised, and the monk’s head was cut off as punishment. It is said that the monk’s head was wrapped in a cloth and hung outside to stop the rain and bring the sun.

The less horrific story suggests that the “talisman” represents a yokai (mountain spirit) called Hiyoribo, who brings good weather and cannot be seen on rainy days.

In China, there is a cut paper doll with a sword in hand, a squirrel girl, and the resemblance between her and the Teruterubouzu has already been pointed out in Sakakibara Takasu during the Edo period.

Appearances in Animes

Teru Teru Bozu has appeared as a reference in various animes; we have selected some scenes, see if you recognize each anime? I remember well its appearance in the classic anime Detective Conan.

Song Teru Teru Bozu

There is a classic song that talks a little about this doll. Below we will see the lyrics of the song teru teru bozu in Japanese, romanized, its translation, and some videos of the song. The song is from the year 1921 written by Kagamimura Asahara and composed by Shinpei Nakayama.

Lyrics of the Song Teru Teru Bozu in Japanese

てるてるぼうず、てるぼうず
明日天気にしておくれ
いつかの夢の空のように
晴れたら金の鈴あげよ

てるてるぼうず、てるぼうず
明日天気にしておくれ
私の願いを聞いたなら
甘いお酒をたんと飲ましょ

てるてるぼうず、てるぼうず
明日天気にしておくれ
それでも曇って泣いてたら
そなたの首をちょんと切るぞ

Romanized Lyrics of the Song Teru Teru Bozu

Teru-teru-bōzu, teru bōzu
Ashita tenki ni shite o-kure
Itsuka no yume no sora no yō ni
Haretara kin no suzu ageyo

Teru-teru-bōzu, teru bōzu
Ashita tenki ni shite o-kure
Watashi no negai wo kiita nara
Amai o-sake wo tanto nomasho

Teru-teru-bōzu, teru bōzu
Ashita tenki ni shite o-kure
Sorete mo kumotte naitetara
Sonata no kubi wo chon to kiru zo

Translation of the song Teru Teru Bozu

• Teru teru bozu, teru bozu.
• Make tomorrow a sunny day.
• Like the sky of a dream I had.
• If it’s sunny I will give you a golden bell.

• Teru teru bozu, teru bozu.
• Make tomorrow a sunny day.
• If my dream comes true.
• We will drink plenty of sweet rice wine.

• Teru teru bozu, teru bozu.
• Make tomorrow a sunny day.
• But if it rains you will be crying.
• Then I will cut off your head with scissors.

Videos of the song Teru Teru Bozu