Tradition: Japanese Mythology
Alternative Names: Kuchu
Category: Insect
The Myth
Akuchu is a small, harmful insect believed to live inside the human body and cause illness. It is described as a red creature with six legs, a pointed proboscis, and a tail fin. Unlike ordinary insects, it inhabits the body rather than the outside world, making it a hidden source of sickness.
According to the Harimonsho, a book on acupuncture, Akuchu attaches itself to a person and feeds on their food. It is said to reside in the spleen, where it consumes nourishment and brings harm to its host. Its presence reflects a traditional belief that disease could be caused by tiny creatures living within the body.
The account states that taking Mukou, a type of herbal medicine, causes all the Akuchu to disappear. This remedy offers a way to eliminate the harmful insects and restore the body. Although the description is brief, Akuchu represents a supernatural explanation for illness in which an unseen creature lives within a person and feeds at their expense.
Sources
“Akuchuu.” 新版TYZ 妖怪図鑑 (New TYZ Yokai Encyclopedia). https://tyz-yokai.blog.jp/archives/1010654395.html