Name Meaning
Konaki-Jijii (子泣き爺) translates to "old man who cries like a child." This yokai lures victims by crying and then crushing them under its weight.
- Ko (子) = child
- Naki (泣き) = crying
- Jijii (爺) = old man
Origin
- Originates in the Shikoku region and is known in various yokai encyclopedias like the “Gazu Hyakki Yagyō.”
- Inspired by folktales warning of deception and the supernatural in rural settings.
- Popularized by manga and anime, including “GeGeGe no Kitarō.”
Appearance
- Usually appears as a small crying child or an old man with childlike features.
- May wear a tattered kimono or appear ghostly pale.
- Transforms in weight once picked up.
Behavior & Myths
- Cries to attract the attention of passersby.
- Once lifted, it becomes impossibly heavy—crushing the victim to death.
- Acts as a cautionary tale about helping strangers in the wild.
Symbolism
- Represents deceptive appearances and supernatural punishment.
- Embodies rural fears of child spirits and isolated environments.
- Sometimes portrayed as a protective figure in modern media.
