Yanari - 家鳴 - [Yokai]

Yanari -家鳴 - [Yokai | Oni]

• About this yokai: Teeny Tiny little oni which where meant to represent the house settling aka “things which go bump in the night” they delight in making noise & causing mischief.  - They make noises around your house usually during the “hour of the ox” (1-3AM) if you hear a bump, shuffling or creaking, its probably just them attacking your house with their little kanabo clubs. They’re generally very small (though they do range in size: they’re generally no bigger than a small animal) There are some stories where they do bad things, but they’re mostly harmless and simply a yokai explanation for the house settling.

•History and early appearances: Yanari make their earliest illustrated appearance in Toriyama Sekiens Gazu Hyakki Yagyo [1776] - The image is presented without commentary: but the little oni are going wild mad at the houses door & lifting the support beams! –

Of course; there are various legends about houses creaking & settling some of which pre-date that as well.

oh, and by the way, the hat says '実寸法' or "Actual size."

• See also: Oni, Shakabashira.

Sticker Art by @Samkalensky (yo thats me!) - Part of my Night parade of 100 Demons - Yokai & Japanese folklore sticker collection, weather-resistant 4" Glossy sticker. Check my shop & follow @samkalensky for many more!