The Yuki-onna (snow woman) is a female yokai that appears dressed in the white garments worn for the dead, and is found in cold regions. It is said that she blows a cold breath on men, causing them to freeze to death. One story tells of a man who witnessed his father die from the […]

The Kappa is a creature with a dish on top of its head that holds water. It is known for pulling people into the water or stealing their shirikodama—a mythical organ located near the anus. When someone’s shirikodama is stolen, they become weak and limp. Kappa are also strong, enjoy sumo wrestling, and are particularly […]

It is said that no matter how hard you row a boat, it will not move forward if the Umibōzu (sea ogre) is attached to it. Additionally, if the creature appears asking to borrow a ladle, it must be given a ladle with a hole in the bottom. If not, the creature will pour seawater […]

The Zashiki-warashi is a child spirit that is said to reside in rooms or storehouses. It is believed that homes with a Zashiki-warashi will thrive, while those from which it leaves will become poor. In the harsh and fluctuating climates of the Tohoku region, where severe winters and multiple famines occurred during the Edo period, […]

An old woman was walking with her grandchild when she remarked, “Long ago, something carrying an oil jar would appear here.” The grandchild replied, “It still appears now,” and at that moment, the creature appeared. Regions and Locations Associated with This Yokai Kumamoto Prefecture / Mountain Paths Excerpts from the books of Kunio Yanagita This […]

The ogre Shōtokujō, known for causing havoc in Kyoto during the Heian period, is described as having a terrifying appearance: a giant body that stands 6 meters tall, five horns, and fifteen eyes. It was known to enjoy drinking sake, abduct people, and eat them. However, it was eventually defeated when poisoned sake was forced […]

If you come across a crying baby on a dark road, you should suspect it to be the Konaki-jiji (Crying Old Man). It is said that when you pick it up, its weight gradually increases until it eventually crushes the person holding it. Regions and Locations Associated with This Yokai Tokushima Prefecture / Mountainous Areas […]

In times when oil was a rare and precious commodity extracted from plants and fish, stealing or mishandling it was considered a grave crime. Those who stole oil were believed to be transformed into yokai, as a moral lesson against such transgressions. Regions and Locations Associated with This Yokai Shiga Prefecture, Kyoto Prefecture / Mountains, […]

This yokai is said to have a single eye and takes the form of a monk. It is known for playing pranks by suddenly appearing in front of humans to startle them. Regions and Locations Associated with This Yokai Nationwide / Homes, Outdoors Excerpts from the books of Kunio Yanagita Late at night, a young […]

It is said to fly through the sky at dusk. When it encounters a human, it wraps around their neck or covers their face, causing suffocation. Regions and Locations Associated with This Yokai Kagoshima Prefecture Excerpts from the books of Kunio Yanagita This creature is described as appearing in a fluttering shape, often attacking people […]