Ever have something in your home just…vanish?

Folklore can give physical form to various feelings, and experiences. Like how we tend to look at old objects differently - all the years of use adding value to the perceived value of an object. This feeling combined with the belief that everything has an inherent spirit; results in one of the most interesting kinds of Yokai: A Tsukumogami (Translated to “Tool Spirit”).

These Yokai consist of objects – like brooms, kitchen supplies, and musical instruments - that have gained a spirit and become sentient after turning 100 years old.

These Yokai blur the line between a natural and supernatural world. Looking like an ordinary objects, just with the addition of a mouth, eyes, legs, arms, and sometimes tails.

Some of the most well known examples of Tsukumogami are the “Kasa-obake”, and “Chōchin-obake”.

The Kasa-obake is a traditional umbrella made from paper on a bamboo frame. Depicted with a single eye, hopping around on one leg, with a freakishly long tongue.

The Chōchin-obake takes the form of a floating paper lantern. Depictions vary wildly; but are most commonly shown with one giant eye, and a large mouth.

If taken care of properly, Tsukumogami will become a helpful spirits - assisting the owner with household chores.

However, if the objects are treated poorly or discarded early, they can inherent a much more malevolent spirit - and come back for revenge. Playing pranks on those who discarded them, and in a few rare examples, strangling the owner in their sleep.

It’s believed this kind of Yokai weren’t to be taken at face value, and originally illustrated for children’s stories. However, the tsukumogami still present a very important concept in modern day. Reminding us to treasure and respect our possessions, and not discard them so easily.