Mokumokuren
Yōkai of many eyes dwelling in torn shoji.
Mokumokuren (目目連 or 目々連) are yōkai in Japanese mythology. They are supernatural spirits typically associated with torn shoji (paper sliding walls), though they can also inhabit tatami floor mats and walls. Their name literally means 'many eyes' or 'continuous eyes,' and they are considered by the Japanese to be one of the traditional inhabitants of haunted houses.
- Field
- Japanese mythology
- Nationality
- Japanese
- Known for
- Yōkai that appear as many eyes in torn shoji or walls
Lore & Background
Mokumokuren are said to be an invention of Toriyama Sekien. They usually live in torn shoji, but can also be found in tatami floor mats and in walls. The only way to remove the spirit from the wall is to patch up the holes in it.
Reader's Guide
Mokumokuren hold significance in Japanese folklore as a traditional inhabitant of haunted houses, embodying the unease associated with damaged household items. Their invention is attributed to Toriyama Sekien, a key figure in cataloging yōkai. The creature's legacy extends into modern popular culture: the Pokémon Stakataka is based on the Mokumokuren, and the name is used as a mononym by the mangaka who created The Summer Hikaru Died. Legends about Mokumokuren often involve travelers encountering the spirit in abandoned houses, with outcomes ranging from opportunistic profit to mysterious loss of eyeballs. These stories highlight the yōkai's role as a trickster or punisher of those who disturb its dwelling.
Did You Know?
- The Pokémon Stakataka is not based on the Mokumokuren; it is inspired by a stone wall or fortress.
- Mokumokuren is used as a mononym by the mangaka that created The Summer Hikaru Died.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Mokumokuren?
Mokumokuren are yōkai in Japanese mythology that manifest as clusters of eyes appearing in torn shoji paper, tatami mats, or walls. They are regarded as one of the classic spirits that haunt old Japanese houses.
What does the name "Mokumokuren" mean?
The name translates to "many eyes" or "continuous eyes," directly describing their appearance as numerous eyes peering through damaged paper walls.
Where do Mokumokuren typically appear?
They are most commonly associated with torn shoji (paper sliding walls), though they can also be found inhabiting tatami floor mats and other wall surfaces of old Japanese homes.
What role do Mokumokuren play in Japanese folklore?
They serve as a traditional example of a haunted-house spirit, representing the idea that old, damaged structures harbor supernatural presences. They are one of the well-known yōkai that the Japanese associate with eerie, abandoned dwellings.
Why are Mokumokuren notable in Japanese mythology?
They are recognized as one of the traditional yōkai that inhabit haunted houses, making them a staple of Japanese supernatural folklore. Their distinctive appearance of multiple eyes in torn paper walls makes them one of the most visually iconic yōkai in the tradition.
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