>>11677248Technically it is not the soul in the western understanding of the term. It is a golden ball called a shirikodama (尻子玉), which translates literally as “small anus ball.” No one really agrees on what the shirikodama is. Some say that it is the human soul, hardened into physical form. Some say that the shirikodama in pictures resembles the Buddhist Hojo, or wish-granting jewel. The hojo was onion-shaped, with a round body and a tapered top. The usual depiction of the shirikodama does indeed resemble this shape.
Very sad
