Jan 2, 2025 · In Japan, the legends are that of the yokai. Yokai are Japanese demons that can come in many shapes and forms, from shape-shifting animals to demonic monsters. They can possess a physical form but can also be spirits that evaporate into thin air.

Feb 13, 2021 · One of the oldest examples of yokai art was the Hyakki Yagyo Zu, a 16th century scroll that portrayed a pandemonium of Japanese monsters. This formed the basis for Japan’s first definitive encyclopedia of yokai characters through the work of 18th century printmaker Toriyama Sekien.

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 books, paintings, scrolls, prints, and oral tradition.

Nov 18, 2024 · Discover how yōkai, Japan's mythical monsters, inspire artists across history and culture. Explore their captivating stories and artistic legacy today!

Dec 2, 2024 · Traditional Japanese art forms, particularly ukiyo-e, have played a significant role in depicting yokai. Ukiyo-e, or “pictures of the floating world,” is a genre of woodblock prints that flourished from the 17th to the 19th centuries.

Sep 16, 2024 · From harmless tricksters to malevolent demons, yōkai are monsters from Japanese folklore that can be cute and playful — or deadly.

Dec 2, 2024 · Mythical creatures have been a significant source of inspiration for Japanese artists throughout history. Traditional art forms, such as ukiyo-e woodblock prints and classical paintings, frequently feature these beings, capturing their essence and stories.

Yōkai (妖怪, "strange apparition") are a class of supernatural entities and spirits in Japanese folklore.The kanji representation of the word yōkai comprises two characters that both mean "suspicious, doubtful", [1] and while the Japanese name is simply the Japanese transliteration or pronunciation of the Chinese term yaoguai (which designates …

Dec 16, 2024 · Monstrous and demonic entities have remained some of Japans most popular artistic subjects through the ages. As religious beings, representing hardship, or simply an aesthetic choice, these motifs have stood the test of time and remained culturally relevant for thousands of years. This scroll depicts several creatures, painted in a sketchy style.

May 5, 2018 · A primer for visitors on the creatures & demons of Japanese folklore, to help you better understand what you see at the temples & shrines you visit.