Sanjin-san: Folklore of a mysterious mountain figure

A serialized collection of mysterious stories titled ‘Strange Tales Told by Grandmother’ features a narrative regarding a figure known as ‘Sanjin-san.’

In one account, a woman named Hanayo recalls being lost in the mountains as a child during the post-war era. She describes being guided to safety by a person with a red face and tattered clothing. According to local oral tradition shared by an elderly neighbor, several people in the community had encountered this red-faced figure, whom they called ‘Sanjin-san,’ often during moments of peril.

To show gratitude, a shrine and a small hut were established at the site where the figure was last seen. Hanayo continues to visit the hut to leave clothing as offerings, noting that the figure occasionally takes the garments to assist travelers or those in need.