A mysterious ghostly fire said to drift along rainy nights like a lantern. Recorded in late Edo essays such as Kansō Sadan and Shoshū Saiyakuki Shōroku as observed in Ise. Those who carelessly approach are struck by an illness like an epidemic. If encountered, one should lie flat and let it pass before fleeing. It hovers roughly 12 to 36 inches above the ground.
Folklore & Legends
Kansō Sadan notes that difficult passes in Ise teem with strange fires, especially on rainy nights, moving back and forth like hand lanterns. If one meets it and immediately lies down and curls up, the fire passes overhead and the person avoids sickness. Shoshū Saiyakuki Shōroku echoes this: in Ise there is a ghostly light called the “Fire of the Akuro-gami”; meeting it brings epidemic-like disease, so one should avoid it by prostrating. Sources differ on exact locations, and a direct tie to Igusafuchi is not firmly established.
A figure based on Edo-period records. On rainy nights it drifts low, coming and going like a procession of lantern lights. Rather than misleading travelers, it was dreaded for bringing illness to anyone who drew near, and the only recourse was to lie flat on the ground until it passed. Local names vary, and it is classed as one type of strange fire from Ise Province. Its substance is unknown, it makes little sound, and reports note few sensory details such as heat or odor even at close range.
Character Profile
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