Yōkai are typically described as having spiritual or supernatural abilities, with shapeshifting being the most common trait associated with them. Yōkai that shapeshift are known as bakemono (化け物) or obake (お化け). Japanese folklorists and historians explain yōkai as personifications of "supernatural or unaccountable phenomena to their informants".

2021年2月13日 · Yokai is not simply the Japanese word for demon, as is sometimes believed. They are the embodiment of a moment: a feeling of dread and bewilderment, or awe and wonder over an extraordinary event; or a strange sound or peculiar scent that demands an explanation; an ineffable phenomenon explained only by a supernatural entity.

2025年1月2日 · There are literally hundreds (and counting) of yokai monsters that are known across Japanese folklore. Let’s get to know some of the most popular ones now. The 20 Most Popular Yokai in Japan 1. Tengu. Tengu is a legendary yokai that you’d likely have come across whilst exploring Japan.

Welcome to Yokai.com, the illustrated database of Japanese folklore. This is an illustrated encyclopedia featuring ghosts, monsters, and legendary figures from Japan. All of the entries on this site are based on Japanese sources including …

Yōkai, 妖怪, are strange, supernatural creatures and phenomena from Japanese folklore. The word is a combination of the characters 妖 (yō– attractive, bewitching, calamity) and 怪 (kai– mystery, wonder). Over the years, many different English words have been used as translations.

2022年10月21日 · Along with shaping the culture of Japan, these myths have also given us supernatural entities known as yokai (妖怪, ようかい). There are hundreds of yokai in Japan’s mythology, but today we will be looking at 20 of the most popular yokai.

The Yokai are monsters or supernatural creatures from Japanese folklore. The word Yōkai means "spirits", "demon" or "ghost". Their origin comes from the Middle Ages with sculptures, paintings prints, and nowadays in manga and video games. However, the question is: where those creatures come from?

2022年3月15日 · At the time yōkai were treated as a type of living thing, and as such were often cataloged alongside real-life plants and animals in encyclopedias and books of the era. It’s another example of ...

2025年3月1日 · In this article, we explore 72 famous yokai, from the mischievous kappa and formidable tengu to the legendary Shuten-dōji and beyond. By delving into their origins, unique characteristics, and memorable stories, we aim to offer you fresh insights into Japan’s rich cultural heritage and the timeless allure of its eerie folklore.

Yōkai are supernatural creatures that have been a part of Japanese folklore for centuries. The term yōkai is derived from two kanji characters, which mean “strange” or “mysterious” and “apparition” or “mystery.” Yōkai are believed to be spirits that inhabit the natural world and can take on various forms, including animals, humans, and objects.