牛頭 · yurei · Okayama Prefecture
Gozu
Gozu is a ghost with a cow's head that is said to haunt rural spaces and urban gardens, appearing as an omen of calamity. This figure draws from ancient mythology but has shifted into urban storytelling, embodying fears of agricultural loss and the consequences of unnatural actions on the land.
Legend
The folklore surrounding Gozu involves tales of appeasement versus recklessness toward the deceased animals. It serves as a reminder of the cultural importance of agriculture and respect toward nature, well-seeded within urban narratives.