Tradition / Region: Japanese Mythology
Alternative names: Pentachi-koro-oyashi; Ghost that Carries a Torch
Category: Bird
The Myth
The Pentachikoro Oyashi is a supernatural being from the traditions of the Sakhalin Ainu. Its name means “Ghost that Carries a Torch,” and it is said to wander the night holding a blazing torch that frightens travelers.
One night, the chief of Toyukushi was traveling to the settlement of Kotankeshi when the torch-bearing apparition followed him. The light of its torch reflected across the snow, making the dark road as bright as day. Terrified, the chief reached Kotankeshi and reported that a monster had pursued him.
The brave chief of Kotankeshi set out with his sword to confront the creature. Before long, the mysterious torchlight appeared behind him, and the Pentachikoro Oyashi drew near. As it reached out to touch him, the chief thrust his sword into it. The creature writhed in agony before collapsing, while the chief himself fainted from the encounter. When others returned the following morning, they discovered that the slain monster was in fact a giant raven. The Pentachikoro Oyashi was said to be an evil raven that had disguised itself as a torch-bearing ghost.
Sources
TYZ. (2009, July 26). ペンタチコロオヤシ (Pentachikoro Oyashi). In 新版TYZ 妖怪図鑑. Retrieved June 29, 2026, from https://tyz-yokai.blog.jp/archives/1010654297.html