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 …
Yokai Articles
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 …
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 …
Tsurube-otoshi is a yōkai, a supernatural creature from Japanese folklore, known for its terrifying appearance and behavior. According to legends, Tsurube-otoshi drops from the trees and attacks humans, devouring them. They are found in various regions of Japan, including Kyoto Prefecture, Shiga Prefecture, Gifu Prefecture, Aichi Prefecture, and Wakayama Prefecture. Tsurube-otoshi is often depicted as …
Umibōzu is a legendary sea-spirit creature from Japanese folklore. It is known for its giant humanoid black figure and its ability to appear to sailors on calm seas, which quickly turn tumultuous. According to the myth, it either breaks the ship on emergence or demands a barrel with no bottom, which is impossible to produce. …
Ushi-oni is a demon from the Japanese folklore of western Japan. The demon is known for its bovine-headed appearance and brutal, savage personality. According to the folklore, there are various kinds of ushi-oni, but the depiction of a bovine-headed monster is the most common. Ushi-oni generally appear on beaches and attack people who walk there. …
Uwan is a fascinating entity from Japanese folklore that is known for its distinctive sounds and anthropomorphic form. Often found in abandoned buildings and temples, this yokai surprises solitary individuals by emerging from the shadows and unleashing its characteristic cry, “Uwan.” Depicted as a teeth-blackened yokai with grotesque features who waves both hands and appears …
Wanyūdō is a well-known yōkai in Japanese folklore. It is depicted as a fiery wheel with a face and a monk’s robe, or alternatively as a monk’s head attached to a burning wheel. The earliest reports of Wanyūdō date back to the Heian period, and it has been a popular subject in Japanese art and …
Yama-uba is a yōkai found in Japanese folklore. The word can also be written as 山母, 山姫, or 山女郎. Yama-uba is often portrayed as an old woman who lives in the mountains and forests of Japan. In some legends, she is depicted as a witch who can change her appearance to better capture lost travelers. …