Kerakera-onna (けらけら女)

Name Meaning

Kerakera-onna (けらけら女) literally translates to "cackling woman" in Japanese. The word "kerakera" mimics the sound of high-pitched laughter.

Origin

  • Appears in obscure folk legends from various rural regions in Japan.
  • Often linked to mysterious and frightening phenomena in the night sky.

Appearance

  • Described as a giant female figure looming in the clouds or high above the ground.
  • Always laughing loudly, with wild hair and exaggerated facial expressions.

Behavior & Myths

  • Appears unexpectedly, causing unease and fright among villagers and travelers.
  • Her cackling is believed to bring bad luck, especially to those who hear it clearly.
  • Some stories say that witnessing her is a harbinger of strange events or misfortune.

Symbolism

  • Symbolizes eerie laughter, madness, and fear of the unknown above.
  • May reflect the fear of being mocked or haunted by unseen powers.
Kerakera-onna sky yokai
Laughing yokai woman in sky