a very hairy appearance as in the legends, a bald head, and making a humorous pose as if they had already eaten someone. This appearance has been said to have been modeled after the Southeast Asian Gibbon. Origin Hyōsube were dolls that were brought to life by a magician and used to build a shrine. After the shrine was finished they were dumped in a river. They were believed to be named after Hyōbu-taifu. They are found generally in Saga and Miyazaki prefectures in Kyushu. Description Hyōsube are small creatures with hairy bodies and bald heads, sharp teeth, and long claws. They live in rivers but like to come out at night and get into people's bathtubs. Once they are done using the bathtubs, they leave them smelly and covered in greasy hair. References Yōkai Kappa (folklore)