Name Meaning
Koropokkuru (コロポックル) means “people under the butterbur leaves” in the Ainu language, referring to small mythical beings.
- Koro = under
- Pok = leaf (specifically butterbur)
- Kur = person
Origin
- From the oral traditions of the Ainu, the indigenous people of northern Japan.
- Believed to predate the Ainu and live hidden lives in harmony with nature.
- Sometimes considered ancestors or forest spirits.
Appearance
- Described as very short—only a few inches tall.
- They wear clothes made from natural materials like bark or leaves.
- Often depicted with a hunched posture and wide faces.
Behavior & Myths
- They once interacted with humans, offering fish or food through small windows.
- After a human spied on one, the Koropokkuru vanished forever.
- Now considered shy, elusive beings who avoid human contact.
Symbolism
- Embody respect for nature and the unknown.
- Reflect the Ainu value of coexistence and secrecy.
- Seen as a cautionary tale against violating trust or curiosity.
