• Shunobon's main job is to scare people with their terrifying face. People who encounter this demon youkai usually faint or even die from fright. The name Shunobon (translated as scarlet tray) refers to their large heads, which resemble wide, round trays. These youkai were originally called shunobans, however, when Mizuki Shigeru depicted them in his work, he wrote the name as shunobon. Due to the popularity of Mizuki's work, Shunobon has become a more common spelling of this youkai's name.
• The Legend of the Samurai and Shunobon
Long ago, a young samurai was traveling alone along the road through Aizu. He had heard local legends that a monster supposedly roamed the roads in these places, so when evening came and it became dark, he began to fear meeting him and quickened his pace. After some time, he noticed another samurai ahead, walking in the same direction. The young man decided to catch up with him so as not to walk along the road alone at night.