Japan is home to countless fascinating yokai (supernatural creatures), each with unique stories and traits. Today, let’s explore a lesser-known but captivating yokai called Biwa-bokuboku. This yokai is closely related to the Japanese stringed instrument, the biwa, and is especially appealing to music lovers or those who enjoy learning about Japanese folklore.
Additionally, Biwa-bokuboku has made an appearance in the popular action RPG game Nioh 2, where players encounter this yokai as a mysterious and unsettling enemy. Though it might not be as famous as other yokai, Biwa-bokuboku carries a deep-rooted history. Let’s dive into its lore and see what makes this yokai so interesting.
What Kind of Yokai is Biwa-bokuboku?
The Origins and Meaning of Biwa-bokuboku’s Name
The name “Biwa-bokuboku” derives from the traditional Japanese stringed instrument, the biwa. This ancient instrument has long been associated with storytelling and music, often used by itinerant musicians who would narrate tales of warriors and legends. However, Biwa-bokuboku is not just an instrument—it is a yokai formed when an old biwa, left neglected, becomes inhabited by a spirit and gains a life of its own.
The term “bokuboku” represents a repetitive, rhythmic sound, and it may also convey a sense of eerie presence. In Japanese folklore, there’s a belief that household items and tools can transform into yokai if they are neglected or unused for a long time. These yokai, known as tsukumogami, are said to carry lingering emotions or attachments, and Biwa-bokuboku is one such tsukumogami.
Appearance and Personality Traits
Biwa-bokuboku is generally depicted with a body shaped like a biwa instrument, often with eerie eyes and a mouth on its surface, lending it a surreal appearance. Sometimes it is illustrated with ghostly features or an ethereal aura. Its presence and appearance reflect the quiet, mysterious aura of old Japanese folklore.
Biwa-bokuboku is often portrayed as a yokai with a certain intensity, likely due to feelings of abandonment. In some stories, it appears at night, playing its haunting “bokuboku” sound, which startles those nearby and gives it an air of eerie mystery. Unlike some yokai that actively haunt or harm humans, Biwa-bokuboku’s activity mostly revolves around expressing itself through its instrument-like sound.
Legends of Biwa-bokuboku Across Japan
Legends of Biwa-bokuboku can be found in various regions of Japan, particularly in old temples or traditional houses, where biwa instruments might have been left unused for years. According to these stories, the biwa-bokuboku sometimes starts playing by itself in the middle of the night, seemingly as a reminder of its existence.
One popular story tells of Biwa-bokuboku producing soft yet haunting sounds, awakening people who forgot about the instrument entirely. In this way, Biwa-bokuboku acts as a gentle reminder of the past, suggesting that forgotten items should be honored or repaired instead of neglected. As such, Biwa-bokuboku represents the traditional Japanese value of cherishing items and treating them with respect, even if they’re no longer in daily use.
Biwa-bokuboku in the Game Nioh 2
Biwa-bokuboku’s Traits in Nioh 2
In Nioh 2, a popular action RPG based on Japanese yokai lore, Biwa-bokuboku appears as a unique enemy that adds an extra layer of suspense to the game. The Biwa-bokuboku in this game uses its biwa to summon the dead from their graves, making it a formidable enemy that can overwhelm players if not dealt with quickly. Its musical ability is central to its gameplay, reflecting its background as a yokai tied to the biwa.
Role and Influence of Biwa-bokuboku in the Game
In Nioh 2, Biwa-bokuboku plays a supporting role to other yokai by calling them into battle. The sound of its biwa not only heightens the tension but also warns players that they may soon be facing a much larger group of enemies. To avoid becoming surrounded, players must quickly locate and defeat Biwa-bokuboku to stop its summoning effect. This unique role makes Biwa-bokuboku both a challenge and a fascinating part of the gameplay, reminding players of the unsettling power some yokai wield in Japanese folklore.
Q&A on Biwa-bokuboku
Let’s look at some frequently asked questions about Biwa-bokuboku and the legends surrounding it.
- QIs Biwa-bokuboku a dangerous yokai?
- A
It depends on the legend. While it can appear frightening or unsettling, Biwa-bokuboku usually doesn’t physically harm people. Instead, it expresses itself through eerie sounds and may startle those nearby. In Nioh 2, however, it is more threatening, as it summons other yokai to battle players.
- QWhere can I “find” Biwa-bokuboku?
- A
In folklore, Biwa-bokuboku is said to appear in places where biwa instruments have been left untouched for years. If you’re interested in traditional Japanese stories, visiting historical temples or old family estates in Japan might provide some background on yokai legends like Biwa-bokuboku.
- QWhat is the best strategy for defeating Biwa-bokuboku in Nioh 2?
- A
Since Biwa-bokuboku calls other yokai for backup, it’s best to find and defeat it quickly before you’re overwhelmed. Look for its sound cues to locate it on the battlefield, and stay focused to avoid being surrounded by the summoned yokai.
Conclusion
Biwa-bokuboku is a unique and thought-provoking character among Japan’s many yokai. While not as famous as some, its story reflects Japan’s cultural appreciation for objects and the belief that even inanimate items may possess life or a soul. In this way, Biwa-bokuboku isn’t just a ghostly creature but a reminder of Japan’s longstanding values.
Thanks to Nioh 2, a new generation of fans is discovering Biwa-bokuboku, appreciating its spooky yet captivating nature. Whether you’re drawn to folklore or curious about yokai, Biwa-bokuboku is a fascinating part of Japan’s cultural tapestry, sure to leave an impression.
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