Jinmenju is a legendary creature from Japanese and Chinese folklore. It is a type of yōkai and yaoguai that is commonly depicted as a tree bearing flowers or fruits with human faces. The faces are always smiling or laughing, even as they fall from the tree. According to legend, the tree grows in remote mountain …
Kasa-obake is a mythical ghost or yōkai in Japanese folklore. It is sometimes, but not always, considered a tsukumogami that old umbrellas turn into. The Kasa-obake has one eye, one leg, and a long tongue. Other variations depict it with arms and two feet. According to Japanese folklore, the Kasa-obake is an old or broken …
Mokumokuren is a fascinating yokai from Japanese folklore that holds a rich history and intriguing origins. The name “Mokumokuren” literally means “many eyes” or “continuous eyes,” and it is considered by the Japanese to be one of the traditional inhabitants of haunted houses. According to legend, the Mokumokuren usually live in torn shoji (Japanese paper …
Nue is a globally-inspired street food eatery located in Seattle’s Capitol Hill. Established in 2015, Nue offers a unique and diverse menu that draws inspiration from different cultures and cuisines around the world. From savory dishes like Korean Fried Chicken to sweet treats like the Vietnamese Coffee Pudding, Nue’s menu is designed to take customers …
Rokurokubi is a type of yokai, or supernatural creature, from Japanese folklore. These creatures are known for their long, stretchable necks, which they can extend to great lengths. There are two types of Rokurokubi: those whose necks stretch and those whose heads detach and fly around freely. According to legend, Rokurokubi were once human women …
Raiju is a legendary creature from Japanese mythology that has been the subject of many stories and legends. According to mythology, Raiju is the companion of Raijin, the Shinto god of lightning. While Raiju is generally calm and harmless, during thunderstorms, it becomes agitated and leaps about in trees, fields, and even buildings. The beast …
Suzaku is a term that has multiple meanings and origins. In Chinese mythology, Suzaku is known as the Vermilion Bird, one of the Four Symbols of the Chinese constellations. It is associated with the Fire element, the direction south, and the season summer. Suzaku is also a Japanese term that refers to the bird guardian …
Shinigami is a term that refers to the gods of death in Japanese mythology. These supernatural beings are believed to play a significant role in guiding the souls of the deceased to the afterlife. In Japanese folklore, Shinigami is often portrayed as both benevolent and malevolent, with their actions depending on the circumstances. According to …
Seiryū is a term that refers to a variety of things in Japanese culture, including a character in the anime series YuYu Hakusho and a cultivar of the Japanese maple tree. However, the term is most commonly associated with the Seiryu dragon, a mythical creature of Japanese folklore. The Seiryu is one of the four …
Tanuki, also known as Japanese raccoon dogs, are a type of wild canid native to Japan. Despite their name, they are not related to raccoons but are more closely related to wolves, foxes, and domestic dogs. Tanuki have long been a significant part of Japanese folklore and culture, with many stories and legends featuring these …