For the film of the same name, see Marebito (film).
The concept of "marebito" (稀人 or 客人, まれびと) represents a spiritual or divine being that visits from the 'other world' (takai, a term for the Japanese afterlife) at specific times.[1] This belief, rooted in the welcoming of outsiders as gods from another world, has been an important part of Japanese folklore and customs throughout history. Marebito has been observed in various forms, from gods visiting during festivals to wandering ascetics and itinerant performers being treated as divine beings. Comparative studies have been conducted on the "sacred visitor" among the Germanic and Celtic peoples, highlighting the cultural significance and universality of the marebito belief.
Marebito is an ancient Japanese word referring to a supernatural being who comes from afar bringing gifts of wisdom, spiritual knowledge and happiness. The word mare means "rare," while -bito (from the word hito) means both "person" and "spirit." The term refers to any one of a number of divine beings who were believed to visit villages in Japan, either from beyond the horizon or from beyond distant mountain ranges, bringing gifts. Villagers usually welcomed a marebito with rituals or festivals.
The 20th-century folklorist Shinobu Orikuchi, student of the great Japanese folklore scholar Kunio Yanagita, was the first to bring the ancient concept of marebito to the attention of modern scholars. Marebito one of two key elements of Orikuchi studies, a small academic school of thought in Japan based around the scholar. The other element is yorishiro, and both concepts are highly valued in folklore studies as clues to explore the faith and concepts of the afterlife among the Japanese people. It has been widely assumed that the marebito tradition died out long ago. However, remnants can still be found in some areas of Japan, such as Akita Prefecture, where the Namahage tradition is maintained. An alternative pronunciation is "maroudo".[2][3]
^Fukuta, Ajio; 福田アジオ (2009). Nihon minzokugaku no kaitakushatachi (1-han ed.). Tōkyō: Yamakawa Shuppansha. ISBN 978-4-634-54706-3. OCLC 436069155.
The concept of "marebito" (稀人 or 客人, まれびと) represents a spiritual or divine being that visits from the 'other world' (takai, a term for the Japanese afterlife)...
increased awareness internationally through the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo. Marebito "Omotenashi - the Japanese concept for Hospitality?". Heartland Japan....
as When the Last Sword Is Drawn (2003), Oh! My Zombie Mermaid (2004), Marebito (2004), Godzilla: Final Wars (2004), and Memories of Matsuko (2006). His...
Grudge (呪怨) (2002) Ju-on: The Grudge 2 (呪怨2) (2003) The Grudge (2004) Marebito (2004) Dark Tales of Japan, episode Blonde Kwaidan, (2004) (TV) The Great...
Blind Beast vs. Dwarf (2001). He was the lead actor in Takashi Shimizu's Marebito (2004), and appeared more recently in Welcome to the Quiet Room (2007)...
wizardry. His ascension into space, rather than a natural death, makes him a Marebito. On one of their adventures, Sukuna became ill. They went to the Dōgo hot...
cases, girls or women were visited at night by a travelling spirit (稀人, marebito). After this visit, the woman announced to the public her new position...
(2001). "The Japanese Welcome-Nonwelcome Ambivalence Syndrome toward "Marebito/Ijin/Gaijin" Strangers: Its Implications for Intercultural Communication...
Toshidon [ja] of the Koshikijima Islands which is mentioned by Bocking 1997, p.87 (marebito), p.98 (namahage) Bestor & Bestor 2011, p. 69, households with kamidana...
(2004, part 1, 2) as Fujimaki Kill Bill: Volume 2 (2004) as Boss Benta Marebito (2004) as MIB Izo (2004) [Is A.] (2004) as Mamoru Hanamura Tsukineko ni...
Dictionary of Shintō. Psychology Press. ISBN 9780700710515., p.98 under marebito notes the parallel Plutschow, Herbert E. (1990). Chaos and Cosmos: Ritual...
"treated" by the evil cavern inhabitants. The 2004 Japanese horror movie Marebito, directed by Takashi Shimizu, also references Shaver's work and the Deros...
and Ritona for herself. 15 (OVA2) "The Oracle's Altar" Transliteration: "Marebito no Saidan" (Japanese: まれびとの祭壇) Toriko Nanashino October 25, 2013 (2013-10-25)...
in 2006. A spin-off manga Devil Summoner: Raidou Kuzunoha vs. Kodoku no Marebito, began serialization through the online Famitsu Comic Clear in 2009, being...
York 2005 Marathon 말아톤 South Korea Jeong Yoon-cheol International 2005 Marebito 稀人 Japan Takashi Shimizu New York 2004 Mind Game マインド・ゲーム Japan Masaaki...
restart the rotation of the Earth's core. The 2004 Japanese horror film Marebito, directed by Takashi Shimizu, references the Hollow Earth hypothesis. The...
premieres The Big White The Birthday Creep The Dark Hours G.O.R.A. Malefique Marebito Night of the Living Dorks P Pulse Strings The Wild Blue Yonder Wolf Creek...
Maneki-neko (招き猫, lit. 'beckoning cat') – A protective and good luck talisman. Marebito (稀人 or 客人) – A concept of a spiritual or divine being that visits from...
Natali 2004 Save the Green Planet! (Jigureul Jikyeora!) Jang Joon-hwan 2005 Marebito Takashi Shimizu 2006 Adam's Apples (Adams Æbler) Anders Thomas Jensen 2007...
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