TE-NO-ME

Lore

One of the most widespread legends claims that Te-no Me was once an ordinary blind man, now transformed into a yokai who haunts late-night travelers along lonely roads. At first glance, he appears as a hunched, emaciated old man, his wrinkled skin draped in traditional garments. That’s when his true nature becomes evident: on each palm, a bulging, bloodshot eye stares straight ahead.

The most famous version of his tale centers on a blind merchant who was murdered by bandits. In his final moments, he desperately wished to see his killers. That final longing shaped his spirit’s rebirth as Te-no Me. He roams forest roads, scanning passersby with his outstretched arms, driven by rage and vengeance—straining to hear a familiar voice, for even in death he cannot forget the sound of those who murdered him.