Key Points

- A serpent with a woman's head that is found near the sea and eats humans

Brief Bio 

Nure-onna, or “Wet woman” in English, is a type of yokai that resembles a snake-like reptile with a woman’s head. Their name is based on the imagery that their hair is always wet. They are said to live in places such as rivers, oceans, and lakes. Mainly, they are found in Kyushu, Niigata, and Fukushima regions.

She carries with her a small, childlike bundle, which she uses to attract potential victims. If a well-intentioned person offers to hold the baby for her, the nure-onna will let them. If they attempt to discard the bundle, however, it is revealed that it is not a child at all. Instead, the bundle becomes incredibly heavy and prevents the victim from fleeing. She then uses her long, snake-like tongue to suck all the blood from her victim's body. Those who Nure-onna tricks, unfortunately, meet their demise.