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Yokai – Japanese Folklore

kijo

Kijo: The Terrifying Female Oni Women of Japanese Yokai Folklore

Nothing quite says “healthy attitude towards women” like a centuries-old folktale about ordinary ladies turning into Kijo. Today, we will explore these grotesque, horned female oni simply because they had the audacity to feel emotions. What exactly is Kijo (Meaning in Japanese)? In Japanese folklore, a Kijo is an “oni woman/female oni” — that is, […]

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oiwa_san_ghost_yotsuya_kaidan

Oiwa san: Japan’s Most Vengeful Ghost with the Yotsuya Kaidan Curse

If you’ve ever thought your ex was clingy, you clearly haven’t met Oiwa, Japan’s most famous ghost. Her story is the beating, disfigured heart of Yotsuya Kaidan, the most-performed kabuki ghost play in history. Let’s unpack why Oiwa’s terrifying face and eternal grudge still haunt the Japanese imagination — and a few unlucky actors, too.

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sutoku_tenno

Sutoku Tenno: The Tragically-Fated Emperor Who Became The Vengeful Spirit

When it comes to Japanese spirits with a grudge, nobody does it better than Sutoku Tenno – the ex-emperor who went from divine ruler to full-blown supernatural menace. Today, we will explore this former emperor / political failure / Japan’s top-tier Onryo. Who is Sutoku Tenno? Sutoku Tenno (Emperor Sutoku / 崇徳天皇) was the 75th

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otakemaru

Otakemaru (Ootakemaru): The Demon-God of Mount Suzuka

Among the most powerful and feared yokai in Japanese folklore stands Otakemaru (大嶽丸). Today, we will explore this legendary oni known for his immense strength, magical powers, and long-standing enmity with humanity. Who Is Otakemaru/Ootakemaru? Otakemaru (大獄丸), also written as Ootakemaru, is a mythical creature who appears in Japanese folklore as a powerful oni (demon

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