Hihi

Overview

Hihi crouches on a rocky slope with one long arm extending downward. Thick flowing hair covers its back and shoulders, while shorter strokes mark the chest and lower limbs. The exposed face has a projecting nose, large teeth and a deeply drawn brow. Clawed-looking fingers and toes press against the ground. Plants and broad leaves partly surround the massive body, giving its posture a dense woodland setting.

The heading 比々 carries the reading Hihi. This particular spelling belongs to the inspected plate and is retained alongside the familiar creature name. The picture supports an imposing ape-like form, but it does not identify a zoological species. Its emphasis lies in disproportionate limbs, luxuriant hair and an aggressive facial expression. Broader stories about hunting or attacks are not inferred from that expression alone.

Origins & earliest records

Named illustration in Toriyama Sekien’s Konjaku Gazu Zoku Hyakki, first published in 1779. The historical Smithsonian Libraries copy is the inspected witness; book publication is not a claim about the earliest oral tradition.

Records & interpretation

Printed name and complete composition individually inspected in an enlarged historical scan. Explanatory prose is not presented as a fully checked transcription.

Selected bibliography

Documented works and useful reading. This is not a list of every appearance.

1. 01

   Konjaku Gazu Zoku Hyakki

   Toriyama Sekien · 1779; historical digitized edition

   Volume 3; IIIF canvas index 11 (zero-based); printed name 比々.

Family & connections

A source-supported family tree or inspiration record has not yet been compiled for this profile. Related reading below indicates a connection in subject matter, not a proven lineage or creative influence.

Primary records and illustrations

References

Sources supporting this profile. Linked pages have their own scope and editorial standards.

1. Institutional primary-book recordSmithsonian Libraries — historical illustrated volumeResearch access: 2026-10-05
2. Direct primary illustrationNamed primary plate: 比々Research access: 2026-10-05

Image credits

Hihi, named plate by Toriyama Sekien

Printed name 比々 and composition individually inspected at enlarged resolution. Actual image URL taken from the IIIF manifest.