(Ms.) Tomo Kimura’s Translation/Tokyo Notes

Vol. 2 seems to available already.

Fuwa, Fuwa

Ren is looking up the “spelling” of Fuwa on his cell phone, checking out which kanjis “spell” Fuwa.

Straw Dolls

A classic cursing item. There’s an elaborate ritual you’re supposed to follow when using it. It goes something like this: first put the hair of the person you want to curse in the straw doll, then between 1 and 3 AM, dress in white, put three lighted candles on an iron ring and wear it on your head, go the holy tree at the back of a shrine, and use long nails to hammer the doll on to the holy tree. And no one must see you while doing all this.

There are mail-order places that sell sets that come with a doll, hammer, nails, a piece of wood to hammer the doll on, and candles. There are also places that will do the cursing for you.

The Evil Kyokos

This is a typical way “haigorei” (literally, spirits behind your back) are depicted. Haigorei usually refers to evil spirits that possess humans, although they could refer to spirits that protect or guide you.

Should be out.

A glossary for this volume too.