Tradition / Region: Chinese Mythology, Japanese Mythology
Alternate Names: Kaishojō
Category: Monkey
The Myth
The Shōjō is a red-haired, human-speaking creature originating in Chinese mythology that became well known throughout Japan, appearing in regional legends, folktales, and traditional performances. It is strongly associated with alcohol and is said to possess vividly red blood, which supposedly gives its name to *shōjōhi*, a brilliant scarlet dye used for woollen fabrics. In Japanese legends, the Shōjō is often connected to the sea. In Shiwa District, Iwate Prefecture, a story tells of Shōjō emerging from the water to drink wine from a barrel buried on the beach, becoming so drunk that it falls inside. In Muro District, Wakayama Prefecture, a female Shōjō living in the sea is enchanted by a young man’s flute playing and gives him a hairpin made from her own hair. Used as fishing equipment, it allows him to catch whichever fish he desires without bait. Another tale from Nishitonda Village describes a hut where a sake barrel was placed to capture Shōjō. As expected, a creature emerged from the sea, drank until intoxicated, and was caught. Some regions also tell of the *Umi-Shōjō*, or Sea Shōjō, a supernatural being combining characteristics of the Shōjō and the ghostly ship-haunting spirits known as funayūrei. The Shōjō also appears in traditional *Kirin Shishi* lion dances performed in Tottori and Hyōgo prefectures, where it acts as a guide leading the mythical Kirin. Its vivid red colouring was also associated with smallpox, and papier-mâché Shōjō figures and masks were sometimes used as protective charms to ward off disease and misfortune.
Sources
“Shōjō.” 新版TYZ 妖怪図鑑 (New TYZ Yokai Encyclopedia). https://tyz-yokai.blog.jp/archives/1010654279.html