TV-Series
Description
Kasa-Bake, also known as Karakasa-Kozō or Bake-Gasa, is a recurring yōkai character from the GeGeGe no Kitarō series. Rooted in Japanese folklore, Kasa-Bake is traditionally considered a tsukumogami, which is a type of spirit that emerges when an object, in this case a paper umbrella, reaches one hundred years of age and becomes sentient. In the context of the anime and manga, Kasa-Bake is not always a single individual but is frequently depicted as a race or type of yōkai, though specific storylines often focus on a particular member of this species.
Physically, Kasa-Bake is an anthropomorphic paper umbrella. Its design typically features a single large eye and a long, protruding tongue, and the umbrella’s fabric is often patched to show wear. Instead of a conventional handle, Kasa-Bake possesses what looks like a human leg, and in some depictions, it has no visible arms.
The personality and moral alignment of Kasa-Bake have varied significantly across different adaptations of GeGeGe no Kitarō. While sometimes portrayed as a loyal friend and ally to the protagonist Kitarō, it has also filled the role of an antagonist instigated by others. In its more mischievous and friendly depictions, such as in the 2007 anime where it resides peacefully in Yōkai Yokochō, Kasa-Bake is shown to be playful, emotional, and protective of its community. This version tends to cry easily during times of stress, such as when facing eviction, and enjoys social activities like drinking sake with other yōkai. It also demonstrates bravery by helping Kitarō scare away harmful humans or yakuza to protect others.
Conversely, Kasa-Bake has been featured in stories where it takes on a more villainous role, often as a result of manipulation. A notable recurring plot involves the scheming Nezumi-Otoko tricking Kasa-Bake into stealing Kitarō’s magical vest, the Chanchanko. In the Shonen Sunday manga storyline and its various anime adaptations from 1971, 1996, and 2018, Kasa-Bake succumbs to its desires for an easier or wealthier human life. In these versions, Nezumi-Otoko convinces Kasa-Bake that wearing the Chanchanko will allow it to transform into a human. Using the vest’s power, Kasa-Bake disguises itself as a young boy named Kōtarō Matsushita to infiltrate a rich family. In this state, it develops a powerful attack that allows it to project a destructive heat beam from its eye. This scheme typically ends with Kitarō using a mirror to deflect the heat beam back at Kasa-Bake, leading to its apparent death. However, some adaptations, like the 1996 version, briefly show Kasa-Bake expressing remorse before the conflict is resolved.
Over time, the character has evolved to be more consistently portrayed as an ally and a resident of the yōkai world. In later series, particularly the 2018 anime, Kasa-Bake is a member of the yōkai apartment community and actively supports Kitarō in defending yōkai-kind from external threats. This version is depicted as moody but fiercely loyal, helping Kitarō in conflicts with powerful enemies such as the thunder yōkai Kaminari and a corrupt corporate executive. Its role often extends to being a dependable companion who fights alongside Kitarō and his other allies.
Regarding its abilities, Kasa-Bake possesses several supernatural powers, though its capabilities can differ between stories. Its most prominent ability is generating and projecting a powerful heat beam from its single eye. This attack is often depicted as a final, devastating technique when the character is antagonistic. Other common abilities include flight by spinning rapidly or using its umbrella body to glide through the air, as well as the power to hypnotize others. In some appearances, Kasa-Bake can also turn invisible, transform its shape, and manipulate the wind. Furthermore, its body can serve as a mode of transportation, as seen when a Kasa-Bake carries Kitarō and his ally Konaki-Jijii to a specific location.
Physically, Kasa-Bake is an anthropomorphic paper umbrella. Its design typically features a single large eye and a long, protruding tongue, and the umbrella’s fabric is often patched to show wear. Instead of a conventional handle, Kasa-Bake possesses what looks like a human leg, and in some depictions, it has no visible arms.
The personality and moral alignment of Kasa-Bake have varied significantly across different adaptations of GeGeGe no Kitarō. While sometimes portrayed as a loyal friend and ally to the protagonist Kitarō, it has also filled the role of an antagonist instigated by others. In its more mischievous and friendly depictions, such as in the 2007 anime where it resides peacefully in Yōkai Yokochō, Kasa-Bake is shown to be playful, emotional, and protective of its community. This version tends to cry easily during times of stress, such as when facing eviction, and enjoys social activities like drinking sake with other yōkai. It also demonstrates bravery by helping Kitarō scare away harmful humans or yakuza to protect others.
Conversely, Kasa-Bake has been featured in stories where it takes on a more villainous role, often as a result of manipulation. A notable recurring plot involves the scheming Nezumi-Otoko tricking Kasa-Bake into stealing Kitarō’s magical vest, the Chanchanko. In the Shonen Sunday manga storyline and its various anime adaptations from 1971, 1996, and 2018, Kasa-Bake succumbs to its desires for an easier or wealthier human life. In these versions, Nezumi-Otoko convinces Kasa-Bake that wearing the Chanchanko will allow it to transform into a human. Using the vest’s power, Kasa-Bake disguises itself as a young boy named Kōtarō Matsushita to infiltrate a rich family. In this state, it develops a powerful attack that allows it to project a destructive heat beam from its eye. This scheme typically ends with Kitarō using a mirror to deflect the heat beam back at Kasa-Bake, leading to its apparent death. However, some adaptations, like the 1996 version, briefly show Kasa-Bake expressing remorse before the conflict is resolved.
Over time, the character has evolved to be more consistently portrayed as an ally and a resident of the yōkai world. In later series, particularly the 2018 anime, Kasa-Bake is a member of the yōkai apartment community and actively supports Kitarō in defending yōkai-kind from external threats. This version is depicted as moody but fiercely loyal, helping Kitarō in conflicts with powerful enemies such as the thunder yōkai Kaminari and a corrupt corporate executive. Its role often extends to being a dependable companion who fights alongside Kitarō and his other allies.
Regarding its abilities, Kasa-Bake possesses several supernatural powers, though its capabilities can differ between stories. Its most prominent ability is generating and projecting a powerful heat beam from its single eye. This attack is often depicted as a final, devastating technique when the character is antagonistic. Other common abilities include flight by spinning rapidly or using its umbrella body to glide through the air, as well as the power to hypnotize others. In some appearances, Kasa-Bake can also turn invisible, transform its shape, and manipulate the wind. Furthermore, its body can serve as a mode of transportation, as seen when a Kasa-Bake carries Kitarō and his ally Konaki-Jijii to a specific location.