Haunted by demanding ghosts but can’t afford to look like a dweeb? These tights are just what you need!
If you’re looking for the sexiest ghost-busting tights to keep your legs warm and free of possession this winter, MAM AVANTGARDE has exactly what you need: Miminashi Houichi tights! These tights, pictured below, have the Heart Sutra written all over them along with Hannya masks on the shins.
If you’re wondering why the Heart Sutra was chosen, it might help to know a little bit about the story of Miminashi Houichi!
Houichi was a biwa hoshi, an itinerant performer who played the biwa, a Japanese instrument often compared to lutes, and was famed for his skills and performance of The Tale of the Heike, an epic account about two warrior clans fighting for control of Japan in the 12th century. But despite his considerable abilities, he was quite poor and found himself living in a Buddhist temple.
One night, a samurai appeared and demanded that Houichi come and perform for his lord. The performer went along and performed that night and the next night as well, keeping his nocturnal trips a secret, as instructed. However, a priest who was a friend of Houichi noticed that the performer was acting strange and sent men to follow Houichi on the following evening, whereupon they discovered that the biwa hoshi was performing in a graveyard! Realizing that Houichi was being deceived by the ghosts of the Heike (the losing side in the Tale of the Heike), the priest was determined to protect his friend and set about writing the Heart Sutra all over Houichi’s body.
When the ghost samurai came again for Houichi, the specter was at first unable to see the performer, despite his biwa sitting in the room. However, the priest had forgotten to write the sutra on Houichi’s ears, leaving them vulnerable, and the ghost finally spotted them. Determined not to fail his superiors, the samurai apparition ripped Houichi’s ears off, as proof that they were all that could be found of the biwa hoshi, and left.
Despite losing his ears, Houichi survived and is said to have gone one to be a famous musician.
▼ Therefore, tights!
As you may have guessed, the “Miminashi” part of Miminashi Houichi means “earless,” which is kind of a mean way to refer to someone, but it does make for a good story title! So, if you’re worried about ghosts trying to steal your legs, these tights are just the thing to protect you from their grabby paws! No word yet on if MAM AVANTGARDE will be making a full body suit though.
The tights will retail for 2,592 yen (about US$22) and can be pre-ordered/ordered on their website. Shipping will start on January 15, and they are accepting orders from overseas, in case your demons have tracked you across the ocean. And if you’re buying one pair of tights, you might as well buy some more to go with them! MAM AVANTGARDE has a few more items to match your Miminashi Houichi leggings.
▼ Gashadokuro, yokai made of the bones of people who starved to death
▼ Thousand-armed Buddha of Mercy
▼ Hoou, the mythical firebird (often mistaken for a phoenix)
We really hope these tights set off a trend, because they are fabulous! The only way to improve them would be to get Mr. Sato to model for the company.
And if the only ghost you’re fending off is loneliness, Drinky is all you’ll need!
Images: MAM AVANTGARDE
[ Read in Japanese ]
Can a downtown Tokyo super sento bathhouse beat a hotel for a one-night stay?
Starbucks Japan closing only Shinkansen platform branch for popularity-triggered renovations
Pokémon and Ikea Japan cross over into each other’s worlds with collaboration events
Two food hacks take Japan’s convenience store fried chicken to amazing new sandwich heights
Pokémon Centers across Japan cancel April events after stabbing in Tokyo
Can a downtown Tokyo super sento bathhouse beat a hotel for a one-night stay?
Starbucks Japan closing only Shinkansen platform branch for popularity-triggered renovations
Pokémon and Ikea Japan cross over into each other’s worlds with collaboration events
Two food hacks take Japan’s convenience store fried chicken to amazing new sandwich heights
Pokémon Centers across Japan cancel April events after stabbing in Tokyo
Fading Tokyo – Searching for signs of the Showa era as local neighborhoods evolve[Photos]
How to speak Japanese like a gyaru【2024 edition】
Float all of your troubles away with a boat ride down the Shimanto River in Kochi Prefecture
Licca-chan dolls released in North America for first time in nearly 60 years
Jojo’s bizarre coffee – Anime characters to grace cans of java in Japan
Tokyo’s best museum for foreign travelers finally reopens after being closed for four years
Pokémon lacquerware series expands for Year of the Horse with new handcrafted design[Video]
Famous Tokyo cherry blossom spot installs view-blocking screens to fight overcrowding[Video]
Tokyo subway and almost all Tokyo train lines now accepting credit card tap payments
Totoro Fund line of beautiful artwork and apparel lets you help the real-world Totoro Forest
Tokyo turns its phone booths into free Wi-Fi hotspots, and here’s how to use them
Studio Ghibli adds new My Neighbour Totoro 2026 Corn Gift to its anime store for Mother’s Day
Japan now has a special desk for people who work at home with a pet cat[Photos]
Uniqlo announces new T-shirts for One Piece, Naruto and more for manga publisher’s 100th birthday
Train station platform ramen store closes its doors on half a century of history in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan releases new My Fruit³ Frappuccino at only 34 stores around the country
Studio Ghibli releases Catbus pullback keychain that runs like the anime character
Krispy Kreme releases Super Mario doughnuts in Japan for a limited time
Japanese onsen egg maker from 100-yen store Daiso needs to be on your shopping list
Nine great places to see spring flowers in Japan, as chosen by travelers (with almost no sakura)
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Studio Ghibli releases Kodama forest spirits from Princess Mononoke to light up your home
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Major Japanese hotel chain says reservations via overseas booking sites may not be valid
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says
Fading Tokyo – Searching for signs of the Showa era as local neighborhoods evolve[Photos]
How to speak Japanese like a gyaru【2024 edition】
Float all of your troubles away with a boat ride down the Shimanto River in Kochi Prefecture
Licca-chan dolls released in North America for first time in nearly 60 years
Jojo’s bizarre coffee – Anime characters to grace cans of java in Japan
Jellied Eggs, Pleasing to the Eye and Good for the Skin
Majority of Japanese women in survey regret marrying their husband, but that’s only half the story
Our lonely reporter goes searching for Japan’s search-for-a-spouse vending machine
A Kyoto factory vending machine sells gourmet mystery meals at bargain prices
Where’s the very best seat to sit in on Japan’s Shinkansen? Our expert has an answer
The Almost All Lettuce Burger from Dom Dom Burger really lives up to its name
“Bumping men” are a uniquely Japanese class of criminals that are hard to deal with
Fatal stabbing at Pokémon Center in Tokyo reignites concern over rising stalking cases in Japan