This article includes a list of general references, but it lacks sufficient corresponding inline citations. Please help to improve this article by introducing more precise citations. (February 2014) ( Learn how and when to remove this message)

Azukiarai (小豆洗い, "azuki bean washing"), or Azukitogi (小豆とぎ, "azuki bean grinding"), is a ghostly phenomenon in Japanese folklore, in which a mysterious noise that sounds like azuki beans being washed or ground is heard. It usually occurs near a river or other body of water. Sometimes the creature or spirit responsible amuses itself by singing "azuki togou ka, hito totte kuou ka? shoki shoki." ("Will I grind my azuki beans, or will I get a person to eat? shoki shoki."), and anyone who approaches will inevitably fall into the water. ^{[ citation needed]}

While the perpetrator is seldom seen, he is often described as a short-statured man of grotesque appearance with a large balding head, crooked teeth, thin moustache, large bulging yellow eyes, wearing ragged clothes and bent over a pail washing azuki beans. Azukiarai is sometimes blamed on a tanuki ( raccoon dog) ^[1] or weasel.^{[ citation needed]}

References

[1] [2] [3] [4] [5] [6] [7]

This article relating to Japanese mythology is a stub. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it.

• v
• t
• e