Kasha (火車)

Name Meaning

Overview

Kasha (火車) means “fire cart” or “fiery vehicle,” though the creature is more often described as a demonic cat that steals corpses during funerals or from graves.

• Ka (火) = fire
• Sha (車) = vehicle or cart

Origin

• Found in Buddhist-influenced folklore, especially in Edo period ghost stories.
• May derive from Chinese tales of underworld messengers or demon cats.
• Associated with punishment of the wicked after death.

Appearance

• Fiery, monstrous cat-like yokai with claws, fangs, and glowing eyes.
• Sometimes depicted riding on or pulling a flaming cart.
• May have wings or descend from the sky cloaked in fire.

Behavior & Myths

• Steals the bodies of sinners during funerals or cremation rituals.
• Feared for disrupting Buddhist burial rites.
• People would guard coffins or use talismans to ward off the kasha.

Symbolism

• Embodies karmic punishment and spiritual unrest after death.
• Acts as a warning against evil deeds in life.
• Appears in Noh plays, ukiyo-e, and yokai picture scrolls.