Name Meaning
Shunoban (朱の番) can be translated as “red-faced watcher” or “guardian of red,” referring to its striking and unsettling appearance.
- Shuno (朱の) = of red
- Ban (番) = guard, watch
Origin
- Appears in Edo-period ghost stories and illustrations.
- Connected to the tradition of sudden frights and eerie apparitions in the night.
- Possibly a personification of fear or anxiety that creeps in during lonely travels.
Appearance
- Bright red face with exaggerated features, including bulging eyes and a twisted grin.
- Sometimes hooded or cloaked in darkness to blend into shadowy paths.
- May appear suddenly and vanish just as quickly, leaving behind only fear.
Behavior & Myths
- Lurks in alleyways and wooded paths, jumping out to frighten passersby.
- Does not cause physical harm but is considered a bad omen if seen repeatedly.
- Legends suggest clapping loudly or saying a prayer can drive it away.
Symbolism
- Embodies fleeting fear and the tricks of the mind at night.
- Acts as a reminder to remain cautious during solitary travel.
- Possibly symbolic of internal anxieties and guilt made manifest.
