Tradition: Japanese Mythology
Alternative Names: 提灯お化け, ちょうちんおばけ, Paper Lantern Ghost
Category: Object
The Myth
Chōchin obake are supernatural paper lanterns that come to life after reaching an advanced age. Their paper coverings split along one of the wooden ribs, creating a gaping mouth with a long, lolling tongue. One or two eyes emerge from the upper part of the lantern, and in some depictions, arms or legs grow from its body. These transformations turn an ordinary household lighting object into a bizarre and often comical apparition.
Like the karakasa kozō, another yokai associated with an everyday object, Chōchin obake generally prefer frightening and startling people rather than causing physical harm. They cackle, roll their enormous eyes, and stick out their tongues at unsuspecting guests in the home. Their strange appearance and playful behavior make them familiar figures among Japan’s object spirits, which arise when everyday possessions acquire supernatural life.
Despite their usually harmless reputation, Chōchin obake can sometimes conceal something far more dangerous. Powerful onryō, vengeful spirits of the dead, may disguise themselves as paper lantern ghosts. This creates a striking contrast between the comical appearance of an ordinary lantern yokai and the potentially deadly spirit hiding beneath its disguise.
Sources
“Chōchin obake.” Yokai.com. https://yokai.com/chouchinobake/