Name Meaning
Yosuzume (夜雀) translates to “night sparrow,” referring to the bird-like spirit known for its unsettling chirps in the darkness.
- Yo (夜) = night
- Suzume (雀) = sparrow
Origin
- Common in mountainous regions of Japan, especially Kyūshū and the west.
- Often encountered by lone travelers or hunters at night.
- Its cry is considered a supernatural sign.
Appearance
- Rarely seen, it is identified by sound more than sight.
- If seen, may resemble a glowing or shadowy bird.
- Sometimes appears as an ordinary sparrow with eerie eyes or behavior.
Behavior & Myths
- Its cry may herald the arrival of the okuri-inu or other yokai.
- Associated with unease, disorientation, or getting lost in the mountains.
- In some tales, it intentionally leads people astray.
Symbolism
- Acts as a yokai warning signal or spiritual alarm.
- Represents fear of the dark, the unknown, and isolation.
- Emphasizes the importance of caution during nighttime journeys.
