Rokurokubi (ろくろ首)

About this Yokai

Rokurokubi (ろくろ首) is one of most famous Yokai, frequently depicted in classical ghost stories and artwork. There are two distinct types: the Nukekubi, whose head completely detaches and flies through the air, and the Long-necked type, whose neck stretches to incredible lengths.

The Nukekubi is considered the original form. Legends say these heads fly at night to attack humans or lick oil from lamps. Often, a faint ring-like bruise on the neck marks a person with this “affliction,” which was sometimes interpreted in the Edo period as a soul leaving the body due to deep-seated obsession or illness.

Artist’s Note

I imagined my Rokurokubi as a courtesan writing a letter to one of her customers—a vital part of her work. It’s a visual pun on a Japanese phrase that literally means “waiting with a long neck,” describing eager anticipation for someone’s visit.