Jinmenju - 人面樹 - "human face tree" - [yokai bonsai]

• About this Yokai •

Jinmenju - 人面樹 aka “Ninmenju” are strange trees which grow in southern mountain canyons, it bears fruit shaped like a child’s face they cannot speak: but, if you smile the whole tree will smile back & if you laugh, then the fruit will laugh and the whole tree will shake. Dont laugh too much or else all the fruit will fall off... Apparently the fruit tastes sweet and sour and the pits of the fruit have a face as well. (which bears the question, why would you ever eat one?!?)

History: The legend of jinmenju migrated to japan from old stories in China – which likely derived from older stories of trees with human-fruit from India and Persia’s “Waq-waq tree” - perhaps they derived from each other. – Its fun to see how yokai can be multicultural!!! Jinmenjus earliest Japanese appearance was – “Wakan sansai zue” – a 1712 encyclopedia about strange nature and plants – it was also included in Toriyama sekeins Gazu Hyakki Yagyo where it was solidified as a yokai.

[as it appears in toriyamas work.]

-This yokai also eventually inspired the Pokémon “exeggutor"

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!