The Appearance of Abura-sumashi: A Kumamoto Legend
Japan is a land steeped in folklore, where every shadow, mountain pass, and whispering wind might conceal a spirit. Among the myriad creatures known as yokai, few capture the bizarre charm of rural storytelling quite like the Abura-sumashi. A squat, goblin-like figure with a smug expression, this spirit is a fascinating study in how local history and morality tales blend into the supernatural.
While not as globally famous as the Kappa or the Kitsune, the Abura-sumashi holds a special place in the hearts of folklore enthusiasts and fans of Japanese pop culture. If you are venturing into the deep countryside of Kyushu, keep your eyes peeled—especially when traversing lonely mountain trails.
Origins: The Spirit of the Oil Presser
The name Abura-sumashi (油すまし) roughly translates to “Oil Presser” or “Oil Wringer.” To understand this creature, one must look at the history of the Amakusa region in Kumamoto Prefecture, which is considered the spirit’s homeland.
In pre-modern Japan, oil was a precious commodity. In this specific region, the production of camellia tea oil was a vital industry. Extracting oil from camellia seeds was arduous, labor-intensive work.
Folklore experts offer two prevailing theories regarding the Abura-sumashi’s identity:
- The Spirit of a Thief: Some legends suggest the yokai is the ghost of a man who stole oil—a serious crime in times when oil was essential for light and cooking. His transformation is a karmic punishment.
- The Spirit of Labor: Others believe he represents the collective spirit of the oil pressers themselves, who worked long, hard hours in solitude.
Physically, he is depicted as a squat figure wearing a mino (traditional straw raincoat), with a potato-like head and a perpetually smug or surprised expression. He carries a walking stick, appearing like a strange, otherworldly hermit.
The Legend of the Kusazumigoe Pass
The most famous—and perhaps only—traditional story explicitly detailing the appearance of the Abura-sumashi is set on the Kusazumigoe Pass in Amakusa. This mountain trail is winding, narrow, and shrouded in dense foliage, creating the perfect atmosphere for a supernatural encounter.
The Encounter
According to the legend, an old woman was walking along this pass with her grandchild. To pass the time and perhaps spook the child slightly, she pointed to the rustling bamboo and said, “You know, in the old days, people used to say an Abura-sumashi would appear right here.”
Before the words could fully settle, a deep, gravelly voice echoed from the bushes: “I still appear even now!”
Out stepped the strange, squat figure of the Abura-sumashi. The story usually ends there, leaving the fate of the grandmother and child ambiguous. Unlike more aggressive monsters, the Abura-sumashi doesn’t attack; he simply asserts his existence. He is a yokai of presence, proving that the past never truly fades away.
Modern Culture and Pop Media
For decades, the Abura-sumashi might have remained an obscure local legend if not for the work of Shigeru Mizuki, the legendary manga artist and historian behind GeGeGe no Kitaro.
Mizuki popularized the Abura-sumashi by including him as a recurring character in his manga and anime series. In these modern iterations, the Abura-sumashi is often depicted as a wise, albeit surprising, yokai who acts as a sort of elder or advisor to the main characters. His distinctive “stone-head” design has become iconic in the genre, leading to merchandise, statues, and appearances in video games like Yo-kai Watch and the Persona series.
Traveler’s Tips: Seeking the Abura-sumashi
For the intrepid cultural traveler, tracking down the Abura-sumashi offers a chance to visit some of Japan’s less-traveled but incredibly scenic locations.
1. Amakusa, Kumamoto Prefecture
This is the birthplace of the legend. Travelers can visit the actual Kusazumigoe Pass. The local tourism board has embraced the legend, and you can find a stone statue of the Abura-sumashi along the trail where he allegedly surprised the grandmother. It is a quiet, atmospheric hike that transports you back to the Edo period.
2. Sakaiminato, Tottori Prefecture
While not his birthplace, this town is the hometown of Shigeru Mizuki and is famous for Mizuki Shigeru Road. The street is lined with over 170 bronze statues of yokai, including a prominent one of the Abura-sumashi. It is a must-visit pilgrimage site for folklore lovers.
3. Yokai Village (Kyoto)
In the Arashiyama area, various shops and themed events often feature classic yokai. While less specific to the Abura-sumashi, the atmosphere here captures the animistic worldview that gave birth to such legends.
Sources & Further Reading
To deepen your understanding of Japanese folklore and the context of spirits like the Abura-sumashi, the following texts and authors are essential:
- Kunio Yanagita: Often called the father of Japanese folklore studies. His work, Yokai Dangi (Discussions on Yokai), helps categorize and explain the origins of rural spirits.
- Shigeru Mizuki: Showan: A History of Japan and his Yokai Encyclopedia are vital for visualizing these creatures.
- Lafcadio Hearn: While he did not write specifically about the Abura-sumashi, his Kwaidan sets the tone for understanding the spooky, atmospheric nature of Japanese ghost stories.
- Historical Context: While the Abura-sumashi is a later folk invention compared to the ancient gods, understanding the animism described in the Kojiki (Records of Ancient Matters) helps explain why the Japanese believe natural places like mountain passes can possess a spirit or voice of their own.
The Abura-sumashi reminds us that history is never silent. Sometimes, all it takes is a walk down a lonely path to hear the past say, “I am still here.”