Hatara-singi
Hatara-singi (also called Hatarashi or Hatara-shingi) is a malevolent disease spirit from Japanese folklore, classified among the yakubyōgami (epidemic deities) that bring illness and plague to human communities. These spirits were particularly feared during Japan's long history of devastating epidemics, including smallpox, measles, and cholera outbreaks that periodically swept through the islands during the Edo period. Hatara-singi is believed to be sent by angry gods, vengeful spirits, or as a punishment for moral transgressions. The spirit's name is associated with the concept of 'wasting a