The Bunagaya is a red-haired spirit dwelling in the deep forests and mountain streams of Yanbaru. Appearing as a semi-naked child, it lights fires (Bunagaya fire) in the mountains at night, and people would once test their courage by going to view these flames in a custom known as *arami*. While closely related to the [[yokai:kijimuna]], which resides within ancient trees, the Bunagaya is distinguished by being a master of the forests and rivers themselves, as well as by its ability to manipulate fire. It loves sumo and catching fish, and although it is known to trick humans, it readily curses those who harm its trees. Today, Ogimi Village embraces this red-haired spirit as the symbol of the "Village of the Bunagaya."
Character Profile
This section is our own creative profile for storytelling. It is not historical fact or scholarship.
Personality - Mischievous, it loves sumo wrestling and bewitching humans. Making the forests and rivers its home, it appears in the mountains at night bearing fire. While it may keep company with those fishing or working in the mountains, it places a merciless curse on any who damage its trees.
Compatibility - A 'little one' of the same lineage as the [[yokai:kijimuna]] and Kenmun. It feels an affinity for forests, mountain streams, and humid mountains thick with banyan trees. It despises axes used to cut down trees.
Abilities - Lighting Bunagaya firesBewitching humansSkill in sumo and fishingPower of a spirit ruling forests and rivers
Weaknesses - Loses its power if it leaves its home in the forests and ancient trees. Axes that cut down trees; the loss of forests due to development.
Habitat - The forests and mountain streams of Yanbaru in northern Okinawa Island. The mountains of Kunigami, including Ogimi Village.
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