Name Meaning
Nikusui (肉吸い) means “flesh sucker” in Japanese. It describes a yokai that consumes the flesh of its victims, leaving behind only bones.
- Niku (肉) = Flesh
- Sui (吸い) = Sucking
Origin
- Rarely recorded in traditional texts but known in regional oral legends.
- Associated with tales warning against mysterious strangers or seductive women.
- Part of the broader category of yokai that consume or drain human essence.
Appearance
- Appears as a young, beautiful woman to lure victims.
- Once her prey is near, she reveals her monstrous form and consumes their flesh.
- Victims are left as hollow skeletons with no signs of injury.
Behavior & Myths
- Targets lone travelers, especially at night or in secluded areas.
- May hypnotize or seduce before attacking.
- Some legends say her presence is accompanied by a cold wind or scent of blood.
Symbolism
- Represents fear of hidden danger and deceptive beauty.
- Acts as a cautionary tale about trusting strangers or appearances.
- Also symbolizes unseen threats, such as illness or emotional emptiness.
