Tsukimono: The Mystery of Japanese Spirit Possession
When travelers think of Japanese mythology, images of graceful shrine maidens or fearsome samurai ghosts often come to mind. However, digging deeper into the rural folklore reveals a more psychological and eerie phenomenon known as Tsukimono (憑物). Literally translating to “possessing things,” Tsukimono refers to the spirits—often animals—that possess human beings, influencing their behavior, health, and fortune.
For the culture-seeking traveler, understanding Tsukimono offers a fascinating glimpse into the Japanese psyche, bridging the gap between ancient shamanism and modern pop culture.
The Origins of Possession Beliefs
The concept of Tsukimono is deeply rooted in Japan’s indigenous spiritualism, Shinto, and later influenced by Buddhist esotericism and Onmyodo (Japanese cosmology). Unlike Western conceptions of demonic possession which often involve pure evil, Japanese spirit possession is inextricably linked to nature and animism.
Historically, the belief stems from the idea that the boundary between the human world and the spirit world is porous. Spirits of animals, deceased humans, or nature deities could enter a living person. In the Heian period (794–1185), literature began to document these occurrences frequently. The phenomena were often used to explain sudden illnesses, mental instability, or inexplicable changes in personality.
Sociologically, Tsukimono played a darker role in feudal Japan. Families believed to be “Tsukimono-suji” (lineages possessing spirits) were often ostracized or feared. It was believed that these families commanded spirits to gain wealth, but at the cost of cursing their neighbors or eventually bringing ruin upon themselves.
Legends of the Beast: Foxes, Dogs, and Snakes
While there are many types of possessing spirits, a few stand out in the pantheon of Japanese folklore.
Kitsune-tsuki (Fox Possession)
Perhaps the most famous form of Tsukimono is Kitsune-tsuki. The fox, or Kitsune, is a powerful shapeshifter in Japanese lore associated with the god Inari. When a fox possesses a human, the victim is said to take on vulpine characteristics. Legends describe victims developing sharp facial features, speaking in falsetto voices, and developing insatiable cravings for aburaage (fried tofu) or azuki beans. While often portrayed as mischievous, fox possession was historically treated seriously by mountain ascetics (Yamabushi) who performed exorcisms.
Inugami (Dog God)
Prevalent in western Japan, particularly Shikoku, is the legend of the Inugami. unlike the wild fox, the Inugami was often created through a cruel ritual involving a dog, binding its spirit to a sorcerer or a family. These spirits served as guardians or instruments of vengeance. Legends say that those possessed by an Inugami would experience intense chest pain and act with violent, canine aggression.
Hebi-tsuki (Snake Possession)
Snake spirits are often associated with jealousy and obsession. In folklore, a person consumed by envy might be possessed by a snake, causing them to writhe on the ground or shun sunlight. The snake is also a symbol of water deities, making these legends common in coastal and agricultural regions.
Modern Culture and Tsukimono
Today, the fear of Tsukimono has largely faded from daily life, replaced by scientific understanding of mental health. However, the concept thrives in Japan’s soft power exports: Anime, Manga, and Gaming.
If you have watched Naruto, you have seen the concept of the “Jinchuriki” (humans with sealed beasts), which is a direct action-fantasy interpretation of Tsukimono. Similarly, series like Jujutsu Kaisen and Natsume’s Book of Friends explore the relationship between humans and possessing spirits, often humanizing the spirits rather than treating them solely as monsters.
In academia and psychology, the term Kitsune-tsuki is still sometimes used metaphorically to describe culture-bound syndromes or clinical lycanthropy, preserving the linguistic heritage of the superstition.
Traveler’s Tips: Experiencing the Lore
If you are fascinated by this aspect of Japanese culture, here is how you can respectfully explore it during your travels:
- Visit Fushimi Inari Taisha (Kyoto): While primarily a shrine for harvest and prosperity, the thousands of fox statues here are the epicenter of Kitsune lore. Observe the statues holding keys or scrolls in their mouths—symbols of their spiritual power.
- Explore Shikoku: This island is the heartland of Inugami legends. Small shrines dedicated to dog spirits can still be found in rural areas, though they are often off the beaten path.
- Respect Local Superstition: In very rural, elderly communities, the stigma of “Tsukimono-suji” (cursed lineages) can still be a sensitive, taboo subject. It is best to enjoy the folklore through museums, shrines, and fiction rather than asking locals about their neighbors’ spiritual history.
- Noh and Kabuki Theater: Look for plays featuring titles like “Yoshitsune Senbon Zakura.” These traditional performing arts frequently dramatize stories of fox possession and transformation with incredible costumes and acting.
Sources & Further Reading
For those wishing to delve deeper into the historical texts that laid the foundation for these beliefs, the following works are essential:
- The Kojiki (Records of Ancient Matters) & The Nihon Shoki (The Chronicles of Japan): These ancient texts (circa 8th century) provide the earliest context for Japanese animism and the relationship between gods, animals, and humans.
- The Tale of Genji: Written in the Heian period, it contains famous scenes of spirit possession (mono no ke) born of jealousy.
- Yanagita Kunio’s “The Legends of Tono” (Tono Monogatari): A pivotal collection of folklore from the early 20th century that documents rural superstitions, including accounts of mountain spirits and possession.