Shishigami (Didarabocchi)

God who governs the life and death of the forest

The god that appears in Princess Mononoke, dominating the life and death of the forest. During the day, it takes a beautiful human form, and at night, a gigantic creature form.

Quotes

  • Life and death always cycle. That is why they are precious.
  • The forest does not belong to humans. It is part of the chain of life.

Trivia

  • The night lion form is called Nightwalker.
  • No mouth is drawn but expressed through presence.
  • Shishigami's white hair symbolizes sanctity.
  • The day-night form-changing motif represents nature's duality.
  • Voice actors are split by role, different people for night and day.

Alternate names

Shishigami Shishigami Didarabocchi Nightwalker Shishigami

Tags

God Forest Nature Life Death Guardian Spirit Giant Day and Night Hayao Miyazaki Studio Ghibli

Profile

Species
God

Appearance

Overall appearance
During the day, a beautiful young man's human form; at night, becomes the king of the night (Nightwalker), a giant lion-like figure. Wears branches and leaves like a crown on its head.
Height
Daytime form is about adult male size, nighttime form reaches tens of meters in gigantic stature
Weight
unknown
Hair color
White
Distinguishing features
  • Daytime is human form but with a vertical line pattern on the forehead
  • Crown of branches and leaves on the head
  • Nighttime is gigantic lion-like form
  • Body shaped like a fusion of nature and plants
Iconic items
  • Plant crown
  • Gigantic lion-like form at night
  • Delicate white decorative patterns

Personality and abilities

Core personality
Mysterious
Detailed personality
Possesses great dignity and compassion as a god, but governs life and death coldly in accordance with the laws of nature. Strict toward humans who disrupt the harmony of nature.
Keywords
  • Mysterious
  • Compassionate
  • Strict
  • Nature Worship
  • Symbol of Life and Death
Motto
Life and death are two sides of the same coin. The cycle of nature is absolute.
Talents
  • Power to manipulate nature
  • Power to grant life
  • Power to govern death
  • Transformation ability
  • Regeneration ability
Skills
  • Transformation into giant body
  • Harmony of natural environment
  • Prophetic perception
Motivation
To maintain the order of nature and protect the cycle of life. For that purpose, protect the forest and watch over human actions.
Habits
Changes into completely different forms between day and night. Type that communicates through presence without speaking words.
Favorite places
Forest, Nature-rich environment, River
Favorite colors
Green, White, Brown
Disliked situations
Destruction of nature, Reckless human actions, Breakdown of harmony

History

Backstory
Shishigami has existed since ancient times as the god governing the forest, overseeing the cycle of life and death. During the day, in a beautiful young man's form with a presence close to humans, but at night becomes a gigantic lion form embodying nature's mystery and guards the forest as the 'Night King'. Due to human destructive actions, Shishigami's form changes, and in the story's climax, reveals its true strictness and compassion as a god.
Debut date
July 12, 1997
Work title
Princess Mononoke
Media type
Movie

Encounter with humans

Significant event
Encounter with humans
Description
Shishigami's daytime form is helped by a human girl, becoming the central axis of the story.

Transformation into Night King

Significant event
Transformation into Night King
Description
At night, reveals the form of a gigantic lion guarding the forest.

Role of death and regeneration

Significant event
Role of death and regeneration
Description
Nearly dies from human attacks, but its death becomes the source of new life for the forest.

Relationships

Ashitaka

Ally

Ashitaka saves Shishigami, becoming the bridge between forest and humans.

San

Ally

Together with San as forest guardian, supports Shishigami's existence.

Forest Gods

Forest Gods: leader

Media appearances

Princess Mononoke

Movie / Protagonist

1997 theatrical release

Voice cast and creators

Hideji Ōtaki

Voice actor
Hideji Ōtaki
Language
Japanese
Version or series
Theatrical version
Notes
Role of Night Walker (Nightwalker)

Yōji Matsuda

Voice actor
Yōji Matsuda
Language
Japanese
Version or series
Theatrical version
Notes
Voice of daytime human-form Shishigami

Hayao Miyazaki

Creator name
Hayao Miyazaki
Role
Original author

Studio Ghibli

Creator name
Studio Ghibli
Role
Animation studio

Related goods

Shishigami Figure

Item name
Shishigami Figure
Category
Figure
Availability
Regular

Shishigami Plush

Item name
Shishigami Plush
Category
Plush or doll
Availability
Limited