Tsurube-otoshi (釣瓶おとし) is a creature from Japanese folklore.
Etymology
Tsurube-otoshi's name is an expression for "falling quickly" which literally means "a well-bucket dropping", and sometimes the tsurube-otoshi instead drops a well-bucket to scoop up its prey.
Description
Tsurube-otoshi has various descriptions - sometimes it is some sort of oni or tengu, sometimes it is a disembodied head, and sometimes it is a fireball.
Behavior
Tsurube-otoshi lurks in the tops of trees and drops down on unsuspecting humans.