Ashi-magari explained

is a ghostly phenomenon from the folklore of Kagawa Prefecture in Shikoku, Japan.[1] It is a soft thing, like a kitten or a wad of cotton, which is felt wrapping itself around a person's legs at night, impeding their ability to walk. While it is not generally visible, it is often believed to be the trick of a tanuki.

Notes and References

  1. Web site: 足まがりとは - わかりやすく解説 Weblio辞書 . 2024-01-04 . www.weblio.jp.