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| Image by Matthew Meyer |
Happy New Year! Welcome to 2025, my spooky friends! Today is a day to celebrate the possibilities that another year brings, and it's my personal mission to make this year as positive and happy as possible. Therefore, we're kicking off the first blog post of 2025 with a happy lil' Japanese yokai known as the Haradashi.
Too many ghosts and other supernatural beings get a reputation for being sad and mopey, or even being terrifying or menacing to those who witness them. But, the Haradashi is the opposite. She doesn't wish to be a negative influence on the human world; rather, she just wants to bring joy to those who need it most.
The Haradashi can take on several physical forms. She can appear as an elderly nun, or a goofy-looking female 'monster' with long, black hair. Sometimes, she's nothing more than just a headless torso. However, one thing never changes---on the Haradashi's huge belly is a large, comical face.
Those who are sad and lonely, especially those who are at home drowning their sorrows in a bottle of saki, may be paid a visit by the cheerful yokai. If you offer a Haradashi a drink, they will happily accept, and then reward you with an elaborately hilariously belly-dance and fill you with renewed hope. If desperate enough, you don't have to wait around for the Haradashi to come to you. You may also find Haradashi at certain temples. Here, they will invite you in for shelter and a warm meal, and again cheer you up with that belly face.
I hope 2025 is a fun, positive year for you, and that you won't ever require the services of the Haradashi. But, if you find yourself feeling a little down in the dumps, I hope you remember that you are enough and that you matter. You deserve the best life has to offer...including a personal belly-dance by a headless torso.
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