The Kijimuna of Okinawa
In Okinawa, little red-haired tree spirits live in the old banyan trees. They love fishing, and they only eat the fish's eyes.
What was reported
In the folklore of Okinawa, in southern Japan, kijimuna are small, child-sized spirits with bright red hair who live in old banyan trees. They are mostly friendly and helpful, and especially good at fishing, though they are said to eat only one eye of each fish.
People who befriend a kijimuna may have good luck, but the spirits are said to dislike octopus and chickens, and to take revenge if their tree is cut down.
Explanations offered
The kijimuna are figures of Okinawan folklore, and a much-loved local symbol, appearing on souvenirs and mascots. Like the kodama of mainland Japan, they encourage respect for old trees.
- When
- Told for generations
- Where
- Okinawa Island, Japan
- Witnesses
- Okinawan tradition
- Status
- Legend
Famous cases are real, widely reported events. Each file sets out what witnesses said and the explanations that have been offered, without taking a side.