Hitodama 人魂

Hitodama (人魂), meaning “Human Soul,” is the most common form of ghost light in Japan—the visible, flickering spirit of someone who has just passed away.

Meaning and Origin

The name is a simple combination of hito (人 - person) and tama (魂 - soul).

The concept dates back to the Nara period and is rooted in the ancient Shinto belief that the human soul is an independent entity that can leave the body. In the famous poetry collection Man’yōshū, Hitodama are described as souls wandering the night, looking for their loved ones or their final resting place.

Characteristics

Hitodama most often appear as floating globes of fire, typically blue-white, orange, or pale green. They are characterized by a long, tapering tail that makes them look like glowing tadpoles as they drift through the air.

They are usually seen at night, especially near graveyards, funeral pyres, or the homes of the recently deceased. Unlike Onibi (demon fires) which are malicious, Hitodama are generally considered harmless, though seeing one is an omen that a death has occurred nearby.

Legends

A common legend states that the soul of a living person can also become a Hitodama if they fall into a deep faint or are near death. This is known as Ikisudama (a living spirit). If the Hitodama returns to the body, the person wakes up; if it drifts away, they die.

In regional folklore, Hitodama are sometimes said to be tricksters. In Chiba Prefecture, they are called Tamase and are believed to emerge a few days after death to visit the people the deceased loved most. It is said that if you see a Hitodama and call out its name, the light will dim and fall to the ground, leaving behind a small, solid piece of charcoal.