Tradition: Japanese Mythology
Alternative Names: 鼠の妖怪, Rat Yokai, Mouse Demon
Category: Rat
The Myth
Nezumi no Yōkai, meaning “Rat Yokai,” is a supernatural tale recorded in the seventh volume of Inu Hariko. The story takes place during the Ōnin era (1467–1469), when a wealthy merchant named Tokuda lived near Shijō in Kyoto. Troubled by political unrest, he left the city and moved into an abandoned country residence near Kamo.
After Tokuda hosted a drinking party for his relatives, a mysterious procession arrived at the house during the night. A dignified man claimed to be its former owner and asked to borrow the residence for his son’s wedding. Hundreds of finely dressed guests, servants, warriors, and attendants entered, bringing lanterns, elaborate furnishings, and wedding gifts. They held a lavish feast, and Tokuda and his guests joined the celebrations.
Suddenly, a strong wind extinguished every light. When the lamps were relit, the entire wedding party had vanished. The house’s furniture, utensils, and valuable possessions had been gnawed and damaged, while an old hanging scroll depicting a cat sleeping beneath peonies remained untouched. A learned scholar named Murai Chōgen explained that the apparent wedding guests were actually old rats, which feared the image of their natural enemy. Following his advice, Tokuda discovered a large colony of aged rats beneath a stone embankment nearby and destroyed them. Afterward, the strange disturbances ceased.
Sources
“Nezumi-yokai.” 新版TYZ 妖怪図鑑 (New TYZ Yokai Encyclopedia). https://tyz-yokai.blog.jp/archives/1076939672.html