The name is commonly written in kanji as “鬼灯”. It can also be written as “酸漿” or “法月”.
There are several theories regarding the origin of the name “ほおずき” (hoozuki).
One theory suggests it comes from the way children play by puffing their cheeks, leading to the name “頬突き” (cheek-puffing).
Another theory is that it is related to the fact that the plant attracts the “ホホ” (hoho) bug, leading to the name “ホホ付き(好き)” (hoho-tsuki), meaning “having hohos” or “liked by hohos.”

Hozuki is native to East Asia.
It is a perennial plant from the nightshade family (Solanaceae) that produces off-white flowers.
The orange “fruit” is actually a large, pouch-like calyx that has developed, inside which there is a small fruit.

• Hang them in the entrance, tokonoma (alcove), or rooms as a charm to ward off evil. Dried hozukis can be displayed for up to a year.
• Use them as offerings for ancestors at the altar, shrine, or grave.
• Additionally, if you soak the fruit in water for about two weeks, the skin will dissolve, leaving a translucent skeleton-like appearance.