Have you ever felt something brush against your legs while walking down a dark road at night?
According to Japanese folklore, it might have been Sunekosuri (すねこすり), a mysterious yokai known for rubbing against people’s shins and causing them to stumble.
Unlike many frightening supernatural creatures in Japanese legends, Sunekosuri is often described as harmless and even adorable. This playful yokai has remained a beloved part of Japanese folklore for generations and has gained international attention through games such as Nioh 2.
In this article, we’ll explore the origins of Sunekosuri, the folklore behind this unusual creature, and its appearance in modern gaming culture.
What Is Sunekosuri?
Sunekosuri is a type of yokai from Japanese folklore that is said to appear at night and rub against people’s legs as they walk.
The name “Sunekosuri” literally means “shin rubber”:
- Sune (すね) = shin
- Kosuri (こすり) = rubbing
People who encounter this yokai often feel something brush against their legs, causing them to lose their balance or stumble.
Although the experience can be surprising, Sunekosuri is generally not considered dangerous. In most stories, it simply enjoys playing harmless tricks on travelers.
Because of its playful nature, many people consider Sunekosuri one of the cutest yokai in Japanese folklore.
The Origin of Sunekosuri
The legend of Sunekosuri is believed to have originated in Okayama Prefecture.
According to local folklore, travelers walking along dark country roads would suddenly feel a small creature rubbing against their legs. The sensation was so unexpected that people often tripped and fell.
Witnesses rarely saw the creature clearly, which only added to its mysterious reputation.
Different regions describe Sunekosuri differently. Some stories portray it as a small dog-like animal, while others compare it to a cat or an unknown furry creature.
This variation is common in Japanese folklore, where local traditions often shape the appearance and behavior of yokai.
Why Is Sunekosuri Considered a Yokai?
To understand Sunekosuri, it helps to understand what yokai are.
Yokai are supernatural beings, mysterious creatures, or strange phenomena that appear throughout Japanese folklore. Some are dangerous and frightening, while others are mischievous or even helpful.
Sunekosuri belongs to the gentler side of yokai folklore.
Rather than attacking people, it simply startles travelers by brushing against their legs. This playful behavior reflects an important aspect of Japanese folklore: not all supernatural beings are evil.
Many yokai exist to explain unusual experiences that people could not easily understand. In the case of Sunekosuri, the legend may have developed from travelers encountering small animals on dark roads and imagining a supernatural explanation.
Sunekosuri in Nioh 2
One reason Sunekosuri has become more widely known outside Japan is its appearance in the action RPG game Nioh 2.
In the game, Sunekosuri appears as a small, furry yokai companion that players can interact with. Unlike many hostile yokai found throughout the game, Sunekosuri is friendly and can provide useful benefits when approached correctly.
Its charming design closely matches the playful image found in traditional folklore, making it a fan favorite among many players.
During our own Nioh 2 playthrough, Sunekosuri quickly became one of the most memorable yokai encounters. Its adorable appearance offers a refreshing contrast to the darker and more intimidating creatures that populate the game’s world.
For many international players, Nioh 2 serves as their first introduction to this unique yokai. Sunekosuri is the Japanese name, but in the west they gave this yokai the name “Scampuss”
Scampuss is usually located in random places throughout the game, often hidden from clear view, but players can notice its presence nearby if they listen closely. Yes, you are correct, you will hear a cat’s adorable meowing and when you approach it, Sunekosuri becomes aware of your presence and welcomes you with a beautiful set of big eyes and some friendly meows wondering about your intentions. Players can decide whether to pet this Yokai or ignore it. Honestly, who would decide not to pet these beautiful creatures, we know we wouldn’t.
What can this Yokai Cat do for you in Nioh 2
Now, If you are like us and decide to pet and give some love to this cute, fur ball Scampuss will accompany you around for a while and even help you in your adventures during your gameplay.
Sunekosuri can help you fight other Yokai in the game, and despite their cute looks and small size, they can do a lot of damage to enemies, thus reliving you from a lot of heavy fighting pressure.
How many Sunekosuri can accompany you during your mission
In Nioh 2 players can find Sunekosuri at random times and usually in most cases you might just find one or two around but If you always love to have their company you can actually forge them at the Blacksmith. Yes! You read that right! If you gather the necessary items during your gameplay, you can actually go to the blacksmith and forge them there. If this is the case, you can carry with you many Sunekosuri in your pocket! Isn’t that amazing!
The game only allows you to have three Sunekosuri at the same time. In my opinion, that is very unfortunate, and we often wonder what would it be like to arm ourselves with an army of 7 Sunekosuri. That would be awesome, for sure.
Some Pictures and Video of Sunekosuri in Nioh 2 during gameplay
After passing this Torii and Sakura tree, We had our first encounter with a Sunekosuri
This place is so beautiful!
Oh! There are some bad people around this area!
We need to get rid of them !
Right there! I see it!
Where? I don’t see it!
Seems to be resting over there at the bottom of that Stone Lantern.
Let’s go near and take a look!
Oh! There it is!
超かわいい！
Sunekosuri is sleeping
Sunekosuri, let’s go play and meet more of your friends!
I heard Sunekosuri’s friends went to play with Mezuki
Look at them! They seem to be having a great time!
Yes indeed! Mezuki looks happy with them!
If you are interested in Mezuki, check the article below as well!
Sunekosuri in Nioh 2 is a great Yokai Companion
At the end of the day. Everyone in this mission looked and enjoyed some Cherry Blossoms Viewing!
Sunekosuri really warmed everyone’s hearts and made everybody happy.
Next time, I would like to talk about Yamanba. That yokai we encountered in the mountains!
Oh, yes! We were able to run fast and escape from her that day.
That sounds interesting! I can’t wait.
Please check the article link below to read and know who Yamanba is!
Sunekosuri Q&A
- QIs Sunekosuri dangerous?
- A
No. Sunekosuri is generally considered a harmless yokai that enjoys playful mischief rather than causing harm.
- QIs Sunekosuri a cat or a dog?
- A
Descriptions vary depending on the region. Some legends describe it as dog-like, while others compare it to a cat or another small furry animal.
- QWhere does the legend of Sunekosuri come from?
- A
The folklore is most commonly associated with Okayama Prefecture in western Japan.
- QDoes Sunekosuri appear in video games?
- A
Yes. It is best known internationally for its appearance in Nioh 2, where it acts as a friendly yokai companion.
Final Thoughts about Sunekosuri
Among the countless yokai found in Japanese folklore, Sunekosuri stands out because of its gentle and playful nature.
While many yokai are feared for their supernatural powers, Sunekosuri reminds us that Japanese folklore is filled with creatures that are curious, mischievous, and even lovable.
Whether you discover Sunekosuri through traditional legends, anime, manga, or games like Nioh 2, this charming yokai offers a fascinating glimpse into the imaginative world of Japanese folklore.
The next time you feel something brush against your legs while walking at night, you might wonder if a Sunekosuri is nearby.
Oh By the way! If you are interested in Yokai or in Japanese Culture and you are a gamer, you may love these games!
Let’s play!
Yes! I can’t wait to play these games!
Let’s Play!
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