Noppera Bo… Imagine walking along a quiet street at night. You call out to someone ahead, and they turn… but their face is completely blank. This chilling figure has been feared here and there eben until now as one of Japan’s most unsettling yokai. Today, we’ll explore why the mere absence of a face continues […]
Noppera Bo: What If You Encountered No Face Yokai (a Faceless Ghost)? Read More »
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 »
Sugawara no Michizane. One of the most respectful scholars, as well as one of the worst vengeful spirits that has been feared in Japanese history… This article explores the historical and supernatural aspects of him, uncovering the dual nature of his legacy: the revered deity and the feared vengeful spirit. Who is Sugawara no Michizane?
Sugawara no Michizane: A God of Learning or a Vengeful Spirit? Read More »
Was it just an accident? Or could it be… the work of a Kamaitachi? Suddenly, a strong wind rushes past, knocking you off balance or having a sharp sensation that grazes your skin… Here, we’ll delve into the eerie legends of this mysterious yokai, its various regional interpretations, its scientific explanations, and its influence on
Kamaitachi: The Invisible Yokai Sickles That Strike in the Wind 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 »
Umi Bozu… At night, the previously calm surface of the sea suddenly rises, and a black giant monk-like figure appears…. Found in folklore across Japan, what exactly is this enigmatic being? In this article, we will delve deep into the mystery of this sea-dwelling Yokai What is Umi Bozu? Japan is home to numerous yokai
Umi Bozu: the Giant Mystery of the Sea-Dwelling Yokai 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 »
Japan has a chilling legend of a spectral whale known as Bakekujira—a phantom creature that haunts the ocean. And those who lay eyes on it… never return. Today, we’ll explore the eerie mystery of its origins, the legends surrounding it, and its significance in the modern world. What is Bakekujira, a Japanese Yokai? Bakekujira (化鯨),
Bakekujira: The Ghostly Whale Yokai That Haunts Japan’s Seas Read More »