Genbu. A giant black turtle with a serpent coiled around its shell — a mystical and awe-inspiring figure from ancient times. Today, we’ll be diving into the origins of this divine beast, exploring how this fascinating creature found its place in Japanese culture. What are Genbu? Genbu (玄武) is one of the Shijin (四神 / […]
Genbu: A Black Turtle-Snake as The Northern Guardian Deity Read More »
Byakko… A white tiger, which has been worshiped as a guardian deity from ancient times… Here, let us explore the historical background of this divine beast, how it has been received in Japan, and examine both aspects as a divine beast and as a yokai. What are the origins of Byakko? Byakko (白虎) is a
Byakko: A White Tiger as The Guardian of the Four Gods in Japan Read More »
Tatarigami… Japanese divine entities that are believed to be vengeful and feared to bring misfortune to others. Here, we will explore the origins, role, and famous examples of Tatarigami, as well as their depiction in the Studio Ghibli film Princess Mononoke, to uncover the true nature of these feared yet revered spirits. What is Tatarigami? In
Tatarigami: Japanese Vengeful Deities that bring Misfortune Read More »