Jubokko, from Japan: what it is and what people believe

The Jubokko is a yōkai tree in Japanese folklore said to inhabit former battlefields. It sustains itself by draining the blood of passersby and is believed to possess healing properties in its sap.

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Appears in former battlefields
Branches form tubes to suck blood
Sap can heal and decontaminate wounds
Wood bleeds when cut
Likely created by Shigeru Mizuki

What it is

The Jubokko is a yōkai tree found in Japanese folklore. It appears identical to common trees but thrives on human blood. These spirits are said to form where many people have died. They capture those who wander nearby. The branches twist into tubes to drain victims. This feeding keeps the tree looking fresh and healthy. When cut, the wood bleeds red fluid. Folklore also claims this sap can heal wounds and remove toxins from injured bodies.

Where it comes from

Scholars note no single source for this creature. Experts like Kunio Yanagita and Iwao Hino found no prior legends. Some researchers suggest it is a modern invention. A group including Natsuhiko Kyogoku theorizes Shigeru Mizuki created it. Mizuki designed many spirits for his comics. He did not specify which were original. The tree appears in various books about yōkai. Its exact folk origins remain unclear.

How it is done

The tree waits near sites of mass death. It blends in with normal vegetation. Humans passing by become targets. Branches reshape into sucking tubes. Blood is drawn from the victim. The process drains life from the person. If harmed, the tree oozes blood. The sap is sometimes used for healing. It is believed to decontaminate injuries.

Tools and materials

The primary tool is the branch. It morphs into a tube for feeding. The tree uses the blood of humans. Sap serves as a medicinal agent. It is applied to wounds for healing. Decontamination is a key property. The bleeding wood is a sign of its nature.

Jubokko, drawn and placed

Emblem With the feather shape. Drawn from this page, not a photograph.

Living
Revived
Fading
Historical
Legendary
Performed

Standing: Legendary Known from myth, story and legend rather than from recorded practice. This says whether people still do it, not whether it works.

A feather: used in cleansing and blessing in some traditions, worn as a sign of office, and carried as a charm.

Lineage: Japanese folklore

Where it sits The tradition it belongs to, and when it is done.

What it is for

The tree exists to feed on blood. It seeks out living humans. Victims are captured and drained. The sap offers a different purpose. It is used to heal injuries. It removes toxins from the body. This dual nature defines its role. Harm and healing coexist in one spirit.

Who does it

No specific practitioners are named. The entity acts on its own. It targets random passersby. Scholars study its place in folklore. Writers like Shigeru Mizuki depict it. Researchers analyze its literary origins. The tree operates without human guidance.

Peoples and places

The Jubokko belongs to Japanese culture. It is part of broader yōkai traditions. Stories appear in many Japanese books. Modern media has popularized the image. Folklore scholars examine its roots. The spirit is recognized in Japan.

At a glance: who, where and when

Peoples

Japanese

What people believe

Yōkai are supernatural spirits in Japan. The Jubokko represents nature's dark side. It feeds on death and violence. The belief links blood to vitality. Healing sap suggests a balance. Life taken fuels life restored. The tree embodies the cycle of death.

Cautions and what is closed

The tree poses a lethal threat. It drains blood from humans. Victims may lose their lives. The healing sap is a counterpoint. It treats wounds and toxins. The danger lies in its disguise. It looks like an ordinary tree.

Compare and confuse

It resembles man-eating plants. Both lure and consume humans. The Jubokko is a tree spirit. Other yōkai may share traits. Mizuki's works feature similar beings. The concept fits Japanese horror.

Questions people ask about Jubokko

What is a Jubokko?

It is a yōkai tree from Japanese folklore. It looks like a normal tree but feeds on human blood. It is said to grow where many people have died.

Where does it come from?

It is part of Japanese folklore. Scholars suggest it may be a modern creation by artist Shigeru Mizuki. It appears in many books about yōkai spirits.

How does it hunt?

It captures passersby near battlefields. Branches change shape into tubes. These tubes suck blood from the victim. The tree maintains a fresh look through this feeding.

Is it dangerous?

Yes, it drains blood from humans. This can be fatal to victims. However, its sap is believed to heal injuries. It can also decontaminate wounds effectively.

Good reading and sources

Where this page comes from

The facts on this page come from the Wikipedia article "Jubokko", written by its contributors and used under the CC BY-SA 4.0 licence, and from its Wikidata record (CC0). EveryJaadu rewrote the text in its own words, with AI assistance, and compares every page with the article to make sure no passage is copied. It may be reused under the same CC BY-SA 4.0 licence with a link back.

It may contain mistakes. Names and customs differ from one community to the next, and some knowledge is closed to outsiders and left out here. This page describes belief and practice. It does not say that any of it works, it is not a how-to, and it is not medical advice. If something is wrong, tell us. Last refreshed 2026-10-13.

Photo credits on this page

The small pictures above come from Wikimedia Commons under free licences. Some are cropped to fit.