itako; blind female shaman; spirit medium
A traditional blind female shaman in northeastern Japan (especially Aomori) who performs kuchiyose (口寄せ), summoning spirits of the dead. The term is culturally specific and often left as 'itako' in English.
There are still a few itako in Aomori Prefecture.
The itako summons the spirits of the dead through kuchiyose.
The origin of the word イタコ is uncertain. It may be related to the Ainu word 'itak' (meaning 'word' or 'language'), but this is not confirmed.