The gashadokuro, also known as odokuro, is refereed as the starving Skeleton in this Japanese legend. The yokia is described as a skeleton to be 15 times taller than a person putting it about 90 feet in height. In the folklore, this creature is said to be wandering around in the countryside at night, seeking out lost, lonely traveller to prey upon. If one was to come across the gashadokuro, it would grab the person with its skeleton hand, begin crashing them and then bite off the head. Then, the creature would proceed to drink the victim dry of all blood from the body.

One could question how is it possible for a 90 foot skeleton to get the drop on someone? In the folklore, the gashadokuro possesses some abilities, such as to turning invisible and moving stealthy. The legend warns the presence of this yokia is indicated by a ringing in ear that intensifies when its is closer. The gashadokuro is said to be powerful and indestructible and the only defense is either warding it off, seal it or wait for that stored malice to burn out.

The tale of the gashadokuro has been told for centuries in Japan. The legends says not only these abominations could be formed by vengeful spirits, but could also be summoned into existence by magic. In researching, I found several tales of these yokia to be spotted in times of wars and famine in the country. Today it has become a monster in film, video games, comic books and other forms of entertainment.

Kincaid, Andrew. “The Gashadokuro”. Japan Powered. (Accessed September 6, 2015.) http://www.japanpowered.com

“Gashadokuro”. Scary Website. (Accessed September 6, 2015.) http://www.scaryforkids.com/