Abura-akago is a Japanese type of infant spirit or ghost that has been a part of Japanese folklore for centuries. This yōkai is often depicted as an infant spirit lapping oil out of an andon lamp. The name “Abura-akago” translates to “oil baby” in English. According to Toriyama Sekien’s mid-Edo period Konjaku Gazu Zoku Hyakki, …
Yokai Articles
Azukiarai is a ghostly phenomenon in Japanese folklore that has been passed down for generations. It is said to be a spirit that makes a mysterious noise that sounds like azuki beans being washed or ground, often near a body of water. This folklore has been the subject of many stories and legends, and has …
Chōchinobake, also known as “paper lantern ghosts,” are supernatural creatures in Japanese mythology. They belong to the family of tsukumogami, which are spirits that inhabit objects that have reached their 100th year of existence, thus becoming animate. Chōchinobake are specifically created from the chōchin lantern, which is made of bamboo and paper or silk with …
Futakuchi-onna is a fascinating and eerie creature deeply entrenched in Japanese folklore and mythology. This yokai is characterized by her two mouths – a normal one located on her face and a second one on the back of the head beneath the hair. There, the woman’s skull splits apart, forming lips, teeth, and a tongue, …
Gashadokuro is a terrifying and fascinating creature of Japanese folklore. It is a giant skeleton, standing 15 times taller than a normal person, that is said to roam the night with an insatiable thirst for blood and revenge. According to legend, Gashadokuro is formed from the remains of fallen soldiers and starved victims who died …
The Hannya mask is a traditional Japanese mask used in Noh theater. It represents a female demon or serpent and is characterized by two sharp bull-like horns, metallic eyes, and a leering mouth. The mask changes according to the degree of jealousy, resentment, and anger of the female characters in the play. The Hannya mask …
Hitodama, also known as “human souls” in Japanese folklore, are mysterious floating fireballs that have captured people’s imagination for centuries. These balls of fire are said to be the souls of the dead that have separated from their bodies and mainly float in the middle of the night. Hitodama are often considered omens or spirits …
Inugami is a type of yokai, or supernatural creature, in Japanese mythology. The term “Inugami” literally translates to “dog god” or “dog spirit.” According to legend, Inugami are created by cutting off the head of a dog and burying it in a special shrine. The spirit of the dog then becomes an Inugami, which can …
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 …