Hyakume (百目)

About this Yokai

Hyakume (百目) was created by MIZUKI Shigeru (1922–2015), a legendary manga artist and a prominent historian of Japanese folklore. He is often called the “Master of Yokai.”

Hyakume (“The Hundred-Eyed”) is a yokai said to have countless eyes. Because the daylight is too bright for it, it is believed to appear mainly at night. When a person encounters Hyakume, one of its many eyes is said to pop out and follow them.

Artist’s Note

Yokai that prefer places away from sunlight and live quietly in the shadows often carry a sense of pathos. With that bittersweet feeling in mind, I painted Hyakume having a staring contest with a butterfly.