Shippei Taro is a figure from Japanese folklore, best known as a dog hero in legends recorded in various regions of Japan, most famously in the tale of a monster hound or evil spirit disguised as a deity demanding human sacrifice. In these stories, a traveling priest or wandering figure learns of the monster's true weakness—its fear of the dog Shippei Taro—and arranges for the dog to defeat it, thereby freeing a village from tribute of human victims. Over time, Shippei Taro became associated with protection and the warding off of malevolent spirits, and shrines or local traditions in some areas honor this figure in connection with guarding communities from harm.