Sanuki Heike Crab
sah-NOO-kee HAY-keh-gah-nee
Sanuki Heike Crab (Linked to Yashimaura)
Household SpiritsSanuki Province (around Yashimaura near the Awa border)
An image based on folk belief that crabs with human-like patterns on their carapaces washed up on Sanuki shores embody the vengeful spirits of the defeated Taira clan. Historical sources tie these crabs to various locales, with Sanuki famed due to memories of the Battle of Yashima. As a yokai, it is said not to harm people directly, but to make onlookers recall the karma of the battle and feel awe. It is distinctly linked with acts of memorial service and consolation for the dead, and differences from other regional names are considered nominal only.