Kamakiri-san (カマキリさん) is a modern Japanese urban legend that has gained attention primarily through internet forums and social media. The story revolves around a mysterious figure that is said to resemble a praying mantis, often depicted as a strange humanoid creature with features similar to the insect.
Myth[]
Kamakiri-san is often described as having the body of a human but with distinct characteristics of a praying mantis, such as elongated limbs, a triangular head, and large, angular eyes. Some variations describe it as wearing a traditional Japanese hat (like a conical straw hat), adding an eerie and unsettling touch to its appearance.
Kamakiri-san is believed to be a mysterious entity that roams rural and isolated areas, and sometimes even urban environments, particularly near forests or abandoned places. The creature is known for its stealth and is said to be quite quiet, making it almost impossible to detect unless it's too close. In some versions of the legend, Kamakiri-san is portrayed as a being with an unsettling sense of curiosity about humans. It may follow people, particularly at night, without ever making any noise. Its long limbs allow it to climb walls or trees and remain hidden in plain sight.
Kamakiri-san is a relatively new addition to Japan's vast folklore, and its origins are typically traced back to online sources, where stories, sightings, and images of this creature began circulating in the early 2000s. Kamakiri-san is a relatively new addition to Japan's vast folklore, and its origins are typically traced back to online sources, where stories, sightings, and images of this creature began circulating in the early 2000s.