Hyottoko is a popular Folk character found throughout Japan. The name "Hyottoko" is an abbreviation of the Japanese word for "Fire" (Hi) and "Man" (Otoko). Hyottoko masks portray a comical figure, often with bug-eyes and a mouth pursed in the act of blowing smoke, since he was in charge of keeping the hearth fires stoked. A Hyottoko mask hung over a fireplace in a home where someone has died is believed to bring Good Fortune to the home.
