Ōnyūdō
Ōnyūdō is a type of yōkai, or supernatural creature, found in Japanese folklore.
Summary
The name Ōnyūdō means "big monk." However, depending on the region, legends vary: in some accounts, their appearance is described as a vague shadow or a giant than a monk. Those depicted as resembling a monk are also referred to as Ōbōzu. Their reported size ranges from about 2 meters in height to giants as large as mountains.Many legends portray Ōnyūdō as menacing figures, with stories claiming that those who see one may fall ill. In some tales, they are said to be foxes or tanuki in disguise, or even stone pagodas that have transformed into living beings. However, in many cases, their true identity remains unknown.
Legends by area
Ōnyūdō that inflict harm on people
;Example from Hokkaido;Example from Tokyo
Ōnyūdō that help people
In Azashiro, Takawagawara village, Myōzai District, Awa Province, it was said that leaving rice in the water wheel of a creek would cause an Ōnyūdō approximately two jō and eight shaku in height to appear. The Ōnyūdō would hull the rice for the person who left it. However, anyone who watched the hulling process would be menaced by it.Ōnyūdō that animals turn into
;Example from Iwate Prefecture;Example from the Miyagi Prefecture
Other ōnyūdō
;Example from Toyama Prefecture;Example from Ehime Prefecture
;Example from Shiga Prefecture
;Example from Hyōgo Prefecture
;Example from Kumamoto Prefecture