Name Meaning
Shiro-bōzu (白坊主) literally translates to “white monk” or “white priest,” but refers to a strange yokai with a glowing white body and no face.
- Shiro (白) = white
- Bōzu (坊主) = monk or priest
Origin
- Appears in regional ghost stories and Edo-period picture scrolls.
- Often encountered in abandoned buildings or rural paths at dusk.
- Associated with eerie silence and sudden appearances.
Appearance
- A tall, humanoid figure completely white in color.
- Lacks facial features—no eyes, nose, or mouth.
- Sometimes depicted with a bald head and long robes.
Behavior & Myths
- Startles lone travelers, then vanishes without a trace.
- Does not attack, but induces dread or paralysis.
- Some say seeing one is a sign of bad luck or illness.
Symbolism
- Symbolizes fear of the unknown and the loss of identity.
- Sometimes seen as a spirit of someone forgotten or erased from memory.
- Used in ghost stories to represent isolation and spiritual emptiness.
