“All because of a Mujina that used to walk there.” That’s a line from a chilling tale. Today, we stand before Mujina-zaka Steps. These steps are located in Koganei, Tokyo. They may seem like ordinary steps. But they are steeped in legend.
Mujina-zaka Steps is a historical landmark. It has an average visitor rating of 3.7. This rating comes from open sources in 2022. The steps are located at 1 Chome-3-11 Nakacho, Koganei.
The name “Mujina” refers to a shape-shifting creature. It is often depicted as a badger or raccoon dog in Japanese folklore. Lafcadio Hearn wrote about it. Hearn was a Greco-Irish author. He included a story in his collection Kwaidan. This collection contains Japanese ghost stories.
The story tells of a merchant. He was hurrying along a slope late at night. He saw a woman weeping by a moat. The woman hid her face. The merchant offered help. She turned around. Her face was blank. She had no eyes, nose, or mouth. The merchant ran in terror.
He found a soba seller. He told his story. The soba seller stroked his face. His face became featureless. The lantern went out. This tale highlights the fear. It underlines the uncertainty of encountering the supernatural.
The story is set on Kii-no-kuni-zaka. This means the Slope of the Province of Kii. The Akasaka Road in Tokyo. The road was lonesome after dark before street lamps. People avoided it. They feared the Mujina.
Mujina can refer to different animals. This depends on the region. It may be a raccoon dog, a badger, or even a civet. The masked palm civet is called hakubishin. This adds to the confusion.
The legend of the Mujina has endured. It continues to fascinate. It serves as a reminder. It reminds us of the unseen world. Now, as we stand here at Mujina-zaka Steps. Take a moment to reflect on the stories. Think about the mysteries. Consider the legends that live on. They linger in the shadows of Tokyo.