Akanyūdō

Tradition: Japanese mythology
Alternative Names: Aoandon, Blue Lantern
Category: Demon


The Myth

Akanyūdō is a red yōkai wearing a white cloth. It has the appearance of a Buddhist monk or priest, with its body and face covered in a vivid red color.

The creature is depicted in the Hyakki Yagyō Emaki, a Japanese scroll of supernatural creatures. Akanyūdō is shown in the same posture as another yōkai that is identified as Ganjōji (元興寺) in other works. No further legend or behavior is given for Akanyūdō in the source.


Sources

Takahashi, Toshihiro. “赤入道 [あかにゅうどう] (Akanyūdō).” 新版TYZ 妖怪図鑑 (New TYZ Yokai Encyclopedia). August 1, 2015. https://tyz-yokai.blog.jp/archives/1035781303.html


Leave a Comment