The modern vampire myth rose out of Europe, but humanoid creatures that drain the life out of others are a global phenomenon. Many Japanese yokai feed on people’s life force. Perhaps the most distinctive of these vampiric entities is the yuki-onna. Yuki-onna literally translates to “snow woman”. This is fitting, as yuki-onna are spirits made …
Japanese mythology is filled with mysterious and enchanting yokai—spirits, monsters, deities, and unexplained phenomena. Some yokai are more dangerous than others. Despite their unintimidating name, the warai-onna, which literally translates to “laughing woman”, are among the deadliest. Warai-onna are found in the mountains, where woodcutters and travelers supposedly hear them cackling after dark. They take …
Like many other yokai—Japanese spirits, monsters, and supernatural phenomena—the jorogumo is connected to a real animal. The jorogumo spider, known as the Joro spider internationally, is a species of golden orb-weaver spider. It’s usually small and timid. Most specimens reach only a few centimeters in length. However, their bodies are colorful, their webs are strong, …
Fox spirits like kitsune are found across many cultures, but the tanuki is a spirit unique to Japan. Tanuki yokai are based on a real animal the same way that kitsune are based on foxes. Traditionally, it is believed that all tanuki have supernatural powers that they use for mischief, trickery, and entertainment. In real …
Tanuki: Japan’s Cheerful Shapeshifting Trickster Spirit Read More »
An oni is a type of yokai, supernatural creatures, monsters, and spirits, found in Japanese mythology. While many other entities that fall under the yokai umbrella can be benevolent, oni are almost always malicious and violent. Typical folkloric depictions show oni as having horns, red or blue skin, sharp claws, and wearing tiger skins. They …
Tengu are one of the most iconic yokai found across Japan. These entities come in two varieties: the older kotengu or karasu-tengu and the newer daitengu. Kotengu have a long history of terrorizing and devouring humans, while daitengu tend to remain aloof and disinterested in human affairs. However, both types are incredibly powerful and dangerous. …
Foxes are considered to be magical creatures in many different cultures. Across European, Scandinavian, and Celtic folklore, the fox is often depicted as a cunning trickster who may possess supernatural powers. East Asia has historically viewed the fox with similar traits. The Japanese kitsune has become notorious as an otherworldly trickster spirit. Powerful, flighty, and …