Sunekosuri – 脛擦り – [Yokai]

Description

Sunekosuri –  脛擦り – Shinbasher

Sunekosuri are tiny animal Yokai – (usually thought to be a dog or a cat, no one is entirely sure what type of animal it might be!) – originating from folk stories from Okayama prefecture. – They appear in bad weather, especially when it’s cloudy and dark. They are normally quiet and very timid: but are known to become incredibly hyperactive when it rains, darting back and forth from behind you, unexpectedly rubbing up against your legs, bashing against your shins, generally getting underfoot & causing travellers to trip over them. – Often blamed for tripping children, causing scrapes and bruises. – to me it sounds like they just want to play!

First mentioned/named in writing in 1935’s Yokai Encyclopedia: Genkō Zenkoku Yōkai Jiten though its likely the legend goes back much further, how it looks in modern appearance is largely thanks to Shigeru Mizuki’s depictions.

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!