Hoichi the Earless (耳なし芳一, Mimi-nashi Hōichi?) is the name of a tale and title character in an adaptation of Japanese mythology. His story is well known in Japan, and the best-known English translation first appeared in the book Kwaidan: Stories and Studies of Strange Things by Lafcadio Hearn.
A version of this story appears in the film Kwaidan, as well as the play The Dream of a Summer Day, which are both based on Hearn's work.
The source text Hearn used has been identified as the work of Isseki Sanjin (一夕散人?), entitled "Biwa no hikyoku yūrei wo nakashimu (琵琶秘曲泣幽霊?)", in the series Gayū kidan (臥遊奇談?), vol. 2, (pub. 1782).
Read more about Hoichi The Earless: Legend Summary, Setting and Variants, Cultural References