Shikome (醜女)

Name Meaning

Overview

Shikome (醜女) literally means "ugly woman" in Japanese, and refers to a class of terrifying female spirits or hags from the underworld.

• Shiko (醜) = ugly
• Me (女) = woman

Origin

• Appears in the Kojiki, one of Japan’s oldest mythological texts.
• Sent by Izanami from Yomi (the land of the dead) to pursue her husband Izanagi.
• Symbolize death and vengeance from the underworld.

Appearance

• Described as hideous, with rotting flesh, sagging skin, and wild hair.
• May resemble monstrous old women or demonic hags.
• Embody the concept of spiritual corruption and decay.

Behavior & Myths

• Relentlessly chased Izanagi through the underworld after he betrayed Izanami.
• Serve as agents of vengeance and guardians of Yomi.
• Associated with fearsome death spirits in other myths and adaptations.

Symbolism

• Represent the wrath of the dead and the inevitability of decay.
• Symbolic of broken bonds and retribution beyond death.
• Appear in myth to challenge or test the living.