Meat-SuckerDraining Beggar of Lantern Fire in the Mountains

Based on types recorded around Kumano and Mount Kuanashi, this yokai takes the form of a young woman, asks for a light from a lantern, then steals it and slips into the dark to drain the victim’s flesh or vital essence. In encounter tales, brandishing strong flame from a matchcord or fire striker drives it off, and bullets engraved with Buddhist names expose its true form as a skeletal fiend—mountain taboos and carry-on wisdom are emphasized. Although later images show it slipping indoors to steal vitality while nestled close, this version centers on wilderness meetings and warnings for night travel, noting that lanterns, live embers, and recitation of Buddhist names function like protective charms. It avoids conflation with foreign lore and follows Kii oral traditions and records.

This yokai is included in the following collections:

Beautiful Yokai

Discover Japan’s “beautiful yokai,” from the Snow Woman to Tamamo-no-Mae—seductive spirits whose tragic legends reveal another face of folklore.

テーマ別

美しい妖怪妖艶な妖怪

Yokai with similar personality and characteristics to Draining Beggar of Lantern Fire in the Mountains

Kidōmaru (Demon Prodigy)

Classical Lore Version

94%

Compatibility

Temple Woodpecker

Temple Woodpecker (Sekien Zufu depiction)

93%

Compatibility

Thousand-Wolf Pack

Senbiki-Ōkami

93%

Compatibility

Yokai with opposite personality and characteristics to Draining Beggar of Lantern Fire in the Mountains

Hotei

Incarnation of Maitreya, the Laughing Monk, Hotei

53%

Compatibility

Fukurokuju

Three-Stars-in-One Long-Headed Deity, Fukurokuju

56%

Compatibility

Kannon

Bodhisattva of 33 Forms and Infinite Compassion

56%

Compatibility