Yamanba
The Yamauba is a mountain-dwelling yokai in the form of an old woman, said to devour those who encounter her on mountain paths. However, there are also households that revere the Yamauba as a guardian deity. In the 1990s, elements of the Yamauba were incorporated into the Yamanba Gal style, which became a popular trend centered around Shibuya, Tokyo. December 20th is known as the Yamauba’s laundry day, and in some regions, it is forbidden to use water or do laundry on this day.
Regions and Locations Associated with This Yokai
Kochi Prefecture, Miyazaki Prefecture, Shizuoka Prefecture, Nagano Prefecture / Mountains
