by Adriana Disano

Created on: August 28, 2010

Tsukumogami are described as objects which have reached their 100th year of existence and comes to life. The word “Tsukumogami” means “Tool god,” and refers to any item which is believed to have come to life on its 100th year in existence, thus becoming a spiritual being. Tsukumogami are not believed to be enchanted objects or ghosts, but rather spirits or Youkai, a Japanese spiritual being.

In modern times, it is said that Tsukumogami cannot be created because no item is used for the full 100 years it spends on Earth. Further speculation says that Tsukumogami are repelled by electricity.

When an item becomes a Tsukumogami, it is usually represented in art and mythology as having exaggerated human features such as long tongues and large eyes.

Some common Tsukumogami in popular culture include the Karakasa, the Bakezoori, the Choochinobake, and the Kameosa.

Karakasa

The Karakasa is a Chinese paper umbrella which has reached its 100th year of existence and come to life in the form of a spirit being. They are said to be extremely mischievous, and take pride and satisfaction in scaring humans. However, they are far from evil, and are said to enjoy playing with small children. They are typically depicted as having one eye and one leg, the handle being the leg and adorned by a single Geta sandal.

Bakezoori

The Bakezoori is a Japanese Zoori sandal which has reached its 100th year of existence and come to life in the form of a spirit being. They run through the house and chant “Kararin, kororin, kankororin!” They are typically depicted as having one large eye and a set of arms and legs.

Choochinobake

The Choocninobake is a Chinese paper lantern which has reached its 100th year of existence and come to life in the form of a spirit being. They are typically depicted as having one large eye, a mouth with its tongue sticking out, and a set of arms and legs, or no arms and only one leg.

Kameosa

The Kameosa is a jar which has reached its 100th year of existence and come to life in the form of a spirit being. It is said to reproduce infinitely any liquid which is stored inside it.

There are many other types of Tsukumogami which are not as popular to depict in popular culture or myth.

Kyourinrin: Scroll or parchment

Biwayanagi: Biwa (Japanese stringed instrument)

Mokumokuren: Paper wall

Ungaikyo: Mirror

Zorigami: Clock

Abumiguchi: Stirrup

Morinji-no-Okama: Tea Kettle

Shirouneri: Dust cloth or mosquito netting

Waniguchi: Temple gongs

Tsukumogami take many forms in popular culture, appearing in video games and anime as characters, and myths about objects coming to life in old age have been around since ancient Japan.

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