Tsurubebi is a fire yōkai from Japanese folklore, appearing as a floating fireball bearing a human-like face, often that of an old man. This core appearance remains consistent, though flame color varies and some adaptations, like the 2018 anime, show it with three flame tails. Its origins trace to Toriyama Sekien's *Gazu Hyakki Yagyō*, depicting it as a bluish-white fireball hanging from tree branches in areas such as Shikoku and Kyushu. Behaviorally similar to Tsurube-Otoshi, it drops onto passersby, with folklore suggesting it may originate from bioluminescent fungi or bacteria on decaying leaves.

Within the *Gegege no Kitarō* series, Tsurubebi typically aids Kitarō and allies. It primarily provides illumination in darkness, lighting spaces like the GeGeGe House, and occasionally assists in combat by emitting intense flames to disorient foes or mimic daylight. For instance, the 2007 anime shows it residing in stone lamps at Yōkai Yokochō's entrance and serving as a heat source in Kitarō's home. While often depicted as a collective race of identical entities, some versions feature individuals. The 1968 anime presented a speaking Tsurubebi in episodes like "Obake Nighter" and "The Yōkai Army," and the 1985 anime featured the "Flame Yōkai Five," a group teleporting when summoned by Kitarō's Yōkai Ocarina.

Tsurubebi's abilities include fire manipulation, levitation, high-speed flight, and teleportation. Its flames are vulnerable to being doused or dispersed by strong winds. Across media, Tsurubebi maintains a static role as a supportive entity without personal story arcs or significant development, consistently appearing as a utilitarian ally in all seasons and films.