Name Meaning
Harionago (針女) means "Needle Woman" – referring to the barbs or needle-like points on her hair strands, which she uses as deadly weapons.
- Hari (針) = Needle
- Onna (女) = Woman
Origin
- Native to legends of Ehime Prefecture on Shikoku Island.
- Often depicted as a regional cautionary tale for young men.
Appearance
- Appears as a strikingly beautiful young woman dressed in elegant clothing.
- Her long black hair is covered in hook-like barbs and can move at her will.
- She lures in victims with a smile, then attacks if the smile is returned.
Behavior & Myths
- She roams roads and paths at night, looking for young men to flirt with.
- If her smile is returned, she lashes out with her hair to ensnare and kill.
- Sometimes compared to succubi or sirens in Western folklore.
Symbolism
- Represents hidden danger behind beauty and charm.
- Acts as a warning to be wary of seduction and appearances.
- Seen as a spiritual punishment for lustful or naïve men.
