About this Yokai

Jinbami (塵喰), “The Dust Eater,” is a type of modern household appliance yokai that began appearing mainly in urban areas of Japan during the late Showa era.

It is especially fond of pet hair. It frequently appears in homes where cats or dogs shed a lot, as pet fur is considered a delicacy for Jinbami.

However, if it overindulges, its intake port may become clogged. When this happens, it often exhibits strange behavior—refusing to move, growling without sucking, or suddenly shutting down altogether, as if throwing a tantrum.

Artist’s Note

Jinbami was inspired by the retro household appliances of the 1970s, the era in which I grew up.