Monsters of Horror 13: The Shirime
Yōkai are a class of supernatural entities and spirits in Japanese folklore, there exists a particularly peculiar and intriguing yokai known as the Shirime. This entity, whose name literally translates to “buttocks eye,” is as bizarre as it is fascinating. The Shirime is not a malevolent spirit but rather one that revels in the shock and surprise of unsuspecting individuals.
The legend of Shirime is quite the tale: it is said that a lone samurai once encountered this creature on a desolate road to Kyoto. The samurai was beckoned by a mysterious figure, which upon closer inspection, revealed an eye where the human anus should be. This startling revelation was the yokai’s unique way of greeting the samurai, leaving him bewildered and undoubtedly with a story to tell.
Shirime’s appearance is deceptive; from a distance, it resembles a normal human being. However, as one draws nearer, the absence of facial features becomes apparent, and the singular eye located in an unmentionable place shines forth, often described as bright as lightning. This yokai does not seek to harm but rather to startle, thriving on the reactions of those it encounters.
The fascination with Shirime has even permeated modern culture, inspiring a PC game titled “Shirime: The Curse of Butt-Eye,” which was released on April 1, 2023. This game invites players to immerse themselves in the legend, navigating the challenges posed by the titular yokai.
Shirime’s origins may be as enigmatic as the creature itself, with few documented encounters. Some speculate that it could be a relative of the Noppera-bō, another faceless ghost in Japanese mythology. Others suggest that Shirime might be a shape-shifted animal indulging in a bit of mischievous fun at the expense of humans.
The yokai’s presence in art and literature underscores its impact on Japanese culture. Renowned haiku poet and artist Yosa no Buson was so taken with Shirime that he included it in many of his yokai paintings, further cementing its place in the cultural consciousness.
Shirime serves as a reminder of the whimsical and sometimes humorous nature of the supernatural in Japanese folklore. It challenges our expectations and provides a unique perspective on the creatures that inhabit the world of myths. As we delve into these stories, we are reminded of the rich imagination and storytelling tradition that has been passed down through generations, offering us a glimpse into the extraordinary and the unexpected.
For those intrigued by the peculiarities of folklore, Shirime stands out as a testament to the creativity and playfulness inherent in these tales. It is a yokai that captures the essence of surprise, leaving an indelible mark on the canvas of mythological creatures. So the next time you find yourself walking a lonely road at night, remember the Shirime, and perhaps, just perhaps, you’ll have your own encounter to share.
Image Copyright: All Images on this page remain the property of their respective owners. Credit is given wherever possible. If you are the owner of an image featured and have not been credited, please let us know, we are happy to remove or credit any offending image.
© Colin Lawson Books