Nurikabe
NOO-ree-KAH-beh
Nurikabe
General ClassificationsNorthern Kyushu (Fukuoka and Oita)
Invisible to the eye yet felt as a solid wall, this form matches northern Kyushu tales of travelers led astray. It does little harm and specializes in halting progress. The obstruction spreads from ankle to shoulder height, denying head-on passage. Stepping to the side, pausing to rest, or probing the ground and roadside with a stick weakens it. It is understood as a road spirit that tests those who travel.