Hyakume (百目)

Name Meaning

Overview

Hyakume (百目) literally means “hundred eyes.” It’s a mysterious yokai known for its body completely covered in blinking eyes that watch intruders with intense focus.

• Hyaku (百) = one hundred
• Me (目) = eye

Origin

• Appears in Edo period yokai illustrations and stories.
• Often stationed as a guardian spirit at shrines and ancient graveyards.
• Linked to themes of divine surveillance and supernatural guardianship.

Appearance

• A humanoid or blob-like creature entirely covered in eyeballs.
• The eyes are said to open and close in unison or scatter to observe from all angles.
• Some versions depict it as having a single large eye surrounded by smaller ones.

Behavior & Myths

• Watches over sacred areas and punishes intruders with curses or bad luck.
• Some believe it can see into people’s hearts and expose hidden sins.
• A single blink from all eyes can ward off evil spirits or dispel illusions.

Symbolism

• Symbolizes omniscient protection and spiritual vigilance.
• May represent the divine presence always watching over sacred ground.
• Invoked in some rituals to protect boundaries from impurity.

Related Creatures

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