The Heikegani yokai of Japanese folklore, have a very fascinating origin. The legend is based off of a real crab species fround in Japan, they are known as Ghost Crabs or Heikegani. The shells on their backs resemble the masks worn by samurai. As the Story goes, at the battle of Dannoura, in 1185 AD, the Tiara Clan (also known as the Heike) failed to protect the child emperor, Antoku, who's death marked the beginning of the first shogunate.

It is believed that the Tiara clan was betrayed by one of their own generals, who revealed Antoku's location to their enemies, The Heike who did not die in battle, drowned themselves to avoid being captured.

After the death of the Heike, the legends claim that the souls of the drowned samurai merged with the crabs on the seabed. Causing the crabs' backs to sport the fearsome faces of the Heike. In some legends, it is claimed that the Heikegani are benevolent, who watch over the living. Other stories say that the Heikegani are vengeful yokai, holding onto their grudge towards the general who betrayed them.

• 10 mil (0.25 mm) thick

• Slightly glossy

• Fingerprint resistant 

• Paper sourced from Japan

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