This site will be taken down March 31st, 2026.

This was not an easy decision to make. For the last couple years, I have been struggling to find motivation for this site and to keep up with basic maintenance and security updates. With the rise of AI and more sophisticated tools, the usefulness of sites like this is questionable and traffic has nose-dived. I just don't have it in me to keep doing this. Thank you all for 10 years of support!

Zach

てるてる坊主

照る照る坊主、 照照坊主、 照々坊主

Reading

Kana: てるてるぼうず
Romaji: teruterubouzu
Kana
Romaji

Definition

1

paper doll to which children pray for fine weather (usu. white, and shaped like a Buddhist priest)

Kanji

Readings: ボウ、 ボッ
Meanings: boy, priest's residence, priest
Readings: シュ、 ス、 シュウ、 ぬし、 おも、 あるじ
Meanings: lord, chief, master, main thing, principal
Readings: ショウ、 て.る、 て.らす、 て.れる
Meanings: illuminate, shine, compare, bashful