lying with head to the north
Traditional taboo position for sleeping, as it is how corpses are laid out. Often avoided in daily life and when arranging futons for guests.
日本では北枕で寝るのは縁起が悪いと言われている。
In Japan, sleeping with your head to the north is said to be unlucky.
旅館で布団を敷くとき、北枕にならないように気をつけてください。
When laying out futons at a ryokan, please be careful not to position them with the head facing north.
brown-lined puffer
A species of pufferfish (Canthigaster rivulata). The name literally means 'north pillow', possibly from its shape or behavior.
ダイビング中にキタマクラを見つけた。
I spotted a brown-lined puffer while diving.
Standard kanji spelling for the taboo sleeping position.
Katakana spelling sometimes used for the fish name.
Compound of 北 (north) and 枕 (pillow). The fish name likely derives from a resemblance to a pillow or the north-facing position.