Ise’s Strange Bird - 伊勢の奇鳥 - [Yokai]

Note: This is another yokai without a proper name: - I’ve seen my Yokai illustrator friends call it “奇鳥” “Strange Bird” or “伊勢の奇鳥” – “Ise’s Strange Bird” so to keep it simple, thats what i will call it here as well.

Another Prophetic yokai! – First recorded in 1832, in the essay “Meifu Taiheikagami” by “Kodera Tama Chao.” - (you can read/translate it yourself from the Nagayo city library website here. ) i’ll also paraphrase the event below in my own words:

“One evening in April, it appeared in the dream of a priest working at Ise Grand Shrine, in the dream, it roosted on the eve of the temple, it cried out and gave a prophecy:  “From the night of the 12th day of the ninth month, [September 12th] there will be an evil star in the southeast sky. Whoever sees this star will immediately tremble and die. If you wish to be spared this calamity, take a copy of my image, stick it up, and offer it sake on the 12th day of every month from then onwards!! I am the messenger of the Grand Shrine!”  – The priest, not believing what he had just dreamt, cleansed himself twice, but when they went outside, the bird was actually there! It didn’t leave until they drew it. Then, it just flew away...”

It should be noted while the bird mentioned a date, he didn’t seem to mention /which exact year/ this supposed ‘evil star would pass over. (nothings happened yet soooo... not saying to worry, but, maybe if you offer my art some sake/alcohol on the 12th consecutively each month, Something lucky will happen!? 🤔)

The bird was described as looking similar to a “large chicken” but it has a tail which looks similar to a peacock or perhaps a pheasant! - The essay doesn’t seem to mention what color it was. (so most people color it white.) - Unlike Amabie & company it doesn’t ward plagues, but rather it warned of  an “evil star” or perhaps a “meteorite”  then it demanded to be worshipped every month on the 12th. - Interestingly, This one predates both Amabiko [1844] & Amabie (1846) - (but there are plenty of old prophetic yokai so, its not like they invented it.) - because of location & since its an avian, it feels a bit like it could be a prequel to Yogen Mo Tori. [1857].