Kanashibari, Sleep Paralysis

The myth

Kanashibari is the Japanese name for sleep paralysis: waking unable to move, often with a feeling of weight on the chest or a presence in the room. The word, "bound with metal", comes from a rite of esoteric Buddhism, kanashibari no hō, linked to Fudō Myōō, said to immobilize enemies and spirits. In folklore the phenomenon was blamed on ghosts, foxes or spirits sitting on the sleeper. Medicine today explains it as a brief glitch in the passage between sleep and waking, but the old name remains in use in Japan.

Why it has this power

A Common trap that reduces the attacking monster's ATK to 0. As in sleep paralysis, the body wakes but will not obey: the attacker reaches you and cannot harm. Excellent against legendaries and epics, because no matter how great the strength, it drains away completely.

Did you know

Studies suggest a large share of Japan's population has had at least one episode of kanashibari, and many describe it as a supernatural experience.

Connections

• In Aiko, Dojo Apprentice's deck
• In Hanae, Wandering Miko's deck

Where to get it

• Daily Offering: 0% per pack (Common 64% per card)
• Welcome Pack: 0.97% per pack (Common 70% per card)
• Traveler's Pack: 0.88% per pack · 5.2% in the themed pack (Common 64% per card)
• Bronze Reliquary: 0.86% per pack · 5.1% in the themed pack (Common 62% per card)
• Silver Reliquary: 0.67% per pack · 4% in the themed pack (Common 49% per card)
• Golden Reliquary: 0.46% per pack · 2.7% in the themed pack (Common 33% per card)
• Daily Showcase: Shows up on about 0.69% of days · 150 gold
• Craft with card dust: 40 dust
• Crossing of Myths: Can be offered as a reward during a crossing (the card stays in the crossing deck).

Sources

1. Kaii・Yōkai Denshō Database (folklore of strange phenomena and yōkai) — International Research Center for Japanese Studies (Nichibunken)
2. Ghosts in Ancient Japan — World History Encyclopedia — Mark Cartwright