Name Meaning
Zunbera-bō (ずんべら坊) is a regional or colloquial name for the noppera-bō, a spirit known for having a completely smooth, featureless face.
- Zunbera (ずんべら) = smooth, blank
- Bō (坊) = fellow, person (often for boys or men)
Origin
- Found in Japanese ghost stories and Edo-period urban legends.
- May be a variation of older Buddhist ghost tales meant to scare wrongdoers.
- Linked to unexplained encounters near graveyards and rivers at night.
Appearance
- Appears as an ordinary person at first glance.
- Face is revealed to be completely blank and featureless.
- Often dressed like a regular villager, traveler, or even friend.
Behavior & Myths
- Known to shock victims by revealing their faceless visage without warning.
- May appear in pairs or in crowded places, blending in until the moment of reveal.
- Do not typically cause physical harm but instill fear and confusion.
Symbolism
- Represents fear of the uncanny and loss of identity.
- Symbolic of mistrust and the idea that things are not as they appear.
- May serve as a moral warning against vanity or selfishness.
