the online database of Japanese folklore

Kizetsu no kanmushi

気絶の肝虫
きぜつのかんむし

Translation: fainting liver worm
Habitat: the liver

Appearance: Kizetsu no kanmushi are worm-like parasites with big round eyes, and long blue bodies covered in black speckles.

Behavior: Kizetsu no kanmushi infect in the liver.

Interactions: People infected with kizetsu no kanmushi experience a string of symptoms. First, they lose their hair, which the worm feeds on. Then, they experience tunnel vision. Moments later, they suffer shortness of breath. Finally, they collapse as if dead.

This infection can be cured with the herb gokō (Origanum vulgare).

Alphabetical list of yōkai