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Makurageishi
MakurageishiMakurageishi The Makuragaeshi (反枕 ‘Pillow Flip’) is a Yōkai depicted in the Gazu Hyakki Yagyō by Toriyama Sekien. It is a strange creature featured in his Yōkai compendium because it is not truly a creature. It is the physical act of flipping a pillow, as well as the idea of[...]
Sakabashira
SakabashiraSakabashira The Sakabashira (逆柱) is a Yōkai depicted in the Gazu Hyakki Yagyō by Toriyama Sekien. The meaning behind the creatures name can be translated as ‘Reverse Pillar’ showing us how these creatures are able to enter into our world. The Sakabashira depicted by Sekien seep or drip out of support[...]
Ōji Inari Shrine
Ōji Inari ShrineRegion: Kantō Region Prefecture: Tokyo Prefecture Affiliation: Shinto Ōji Inari Shrine Ōji Inari Shrine (王子稲荷神社), located in Tokyo, is a Shinto Shrine associated with the Yōkai Kitsune-bi who supposedly visit the Shrine on the last day of the year and breathe fire, people watching the flames to determine the coming harvest.1[...]
Utagawa Hiroshige
Utagawa HiroshigeBorn: 1797 Died: 1858 Period: Edo Period Occupation: Ukiyo-e artist Utagawa Hiroshige Utagawa Hiroshige (歌川 広重) (1797-1858) was an Ukiyo-e artist who created the One Hundred Famous Views of Edo which includes depictions of the Yōkai known as the Kitsune-bi due to their popularity.1 Footnotes 1. Yoda, H. and Alt,[...]
Shōjōji no Tanuki Bayashi
Shōjōji no Tanuki BayashiSee also: List of Folktales Shōjōji no Tanuki Bayashi The Shōjōji no Tanuki Bayashi (狸囃子) is a Japanese Folktale which later became a children’s song. The story revolves around a pack of Tanuki holding wild nightly drum parties at the Shōjōji Temple.1 Footnotes 1. Yoda, H. and Alt, M. (2016)[...]
Rokurokubi
RokurokubiRokurokubi The Rokurokubi (飛頭蛮) is a Yōkai depicted in the Gazu Hyakki Yagyō by Toriyama Sekien. The Yōkai is depicted as a rather pampered woman. These creatures have rather elongated necks allowing their heads to move far away from their own bodies. Sekien has chosen to use the Characters for[...]
Tenome
TenomeTenome The Tenome (手の目) is a Yōkai depicted in the Gazu Hyakki Yagyō by Toriyama Sekien. This Yōkai takes the form of a creatures whose ears are folded inwards, with his eyes in the palms of his hands. According to the authors of the ‘Japandemonium’ the folded ears relate to[...]
Takaonna
TakaonnaTakaonna The Takaonna (高女) is a Yōkai depicted in the Gazu Hyakki Yagyō by Toriyama Sekien. This Yōkai takes the form of a courtesan with an extended height, having black teeth and classy makeup. The height likely relates to the fact that high-class courtesans resided on the second floor of[...]
Mangyō-ji
Mangyō-jiRegion: Kanto Prefecture: Saitama Prefecture Mangyō-ji Mangyō-ji is a Buddhist temple within Saitama Prefecture. It has links to the story called The Bell of Nodera in which the fabled bell of Nodera Temple which was hidden by the monk during times of war was rediscovered by farmers. The bell was brought[...]
Nodera Temple
Nodera TempleNodera Temple Nodera Temple is a lost Japanese temple, which once housed a large bell within its complex. Both are known to have existed as a 9th Century poem attributed to Ariwara no Narihara mentions them. Legend states that in a time of war the monk of the temple took[...]
The Bell of Nodera
The Bell of NoderaThe Bell of Nodera The Bell of Nodera is a story which was used by Toriyama Sekien as inspiration for the Yōkai known as the Noderabō. The story relates how farmers digging out the roots of potato vines finds them entwined around a temple bell. They take the bell to[...]
Noderabō
NoderabōNoderabō The Noderabō (野寺坊) is a Yōkai depicted in the Gazu Hyakki Yagyō by Toriyama Sekien. This Yōkai takes the form of a monk standing next to the bell of Nodera Temple. The history behind this Yōkai is based on the story The Bell of Nodera. He is shown with a[...]
Umizatō
UmizatōUmizatō The Umizatō (海座頭) is a type of Yōkai depicted in the Gazu Hyakki Yagyō by Toriyama Sekien. This Yōkai takes the form of a blind lute player in Sekien’s depiction. This may relate to the Umi-bōzu Yōkai or may even be a reference to the tale known as Hōichi[...]
Konjaku Monogatari-shu
Konjaku Monogatari-shuKonjaku Monogatari-shu The Konjaku Monogatari-shu (今昔物語集, Anthology of Tales from the Past) is a collection of tales. One tale relates to the Ubume, a creature who takes the form of a woman residing along a river, and a group of Samurai who dare one of their group to go and[...]
Ubume
UbumeUbume The Ubume (産女) is a Yōkai depicted in the Gazu Hyakki Yagyō by Toriyama Sekien. Sekien`s rendering utilizes the Kanji for the creature from the 1712 Wakan Sansai Zue, which describes the creature as a type of bird, capable of transforming into the guise of a woman who would[...]
Yanari
YanariYanari The Yanari (家鳴, House-Creakers) is a Yōkai depicted in the Gazu Hyakki Yagyō by Toriyama Sekien. This creature is said to be the cause of creaking noises within your home. Normally the Kanji would be read Naru Ya (ie. Creaking House) but Sekien reverses the Kanji to achieve the[...]
Tsurubebi
TsurubebiTsurubebi The Tsurubebi (釣瓶火) (Wellbucket-Fire) also known as a Tsurube-otoshi is a type of Yōkai depicted in the Gazu Hyakki Yagyō by Toriyama Sekien. The Yokai is named for its penchant for dropping onto the heads of those who walk beneath old trees, ‘tsurube’ being a type of bucket suspended[...]
Shin Otogi Bōko
Shin Otogi BōkoShin Otogi Bōko The Shin Otogi Bōko (新御伽婢子) is a 1683 collection of stories. One of the stories within relates to the Buddhist monk Sōgen and his wicked deeds which led to him becoming the Yōkai Sōgen-bi.1 Footnotes 1. Yoda, H. and Alt, M. (2016) “Japandemonium: Illustrated: The Yokai Encyclopaedia[...]
Mibudera
MibuderaRegion: Kansai Region Prefecture: Kyoto Prefecture Co-ordinates: 35°0′5.76″N 135°44′36.02″E Affiliation: Buddhism Mibudera Mibudera (壬生寺) is a Buddhist Temple. The temple is related to the Yōkai spirit called Sōgen-bi, who was once known as the monk Sōgen. The monk is said to have stolen money offerings and lamp oil left at[...]
Sōgen
SōgenOccuption: Buddhist Monk Sōgen Sōgen (叢原) is known to have once been a Buddhist Monk, residing within Mibudera Temple, outside of Kyoto. He is noted to have stolen money offerings and lamp oil left at the temple by worshippers. After finally dying it is said he was punished in hell[...]
Sōgenbi
SōgenbiSōgenbi The Sōgenbi (叢原火) (Thicket-Fire) is a type of Yōkai created from the wicked life of a monk called Sōgen. Toriyama Sekien in the Gazu Hyakki Yagyō describes the creature saying: Said to appear near Mibudera Temple south of Saiin, located outside of Kyoto. There they call it Sōgen’s Fire[...]
Tenasobi
TenasobiTenasobi The Tenasobi, also known as a Marten is a type of Yōkai depicted in the Gazu Hyakki Yagyō. In Toriyama Sekien’s depiction of the creature, he provides the reading of ‘Marten’ though it is written with the Kanji Character for Itachi. The creature is known to have been a[...]
Jorōgumo
JorōgumoJorōgumo The Jorōgumo (絡新婦) (Spider Bride) is a type of Yōkai. Toriyama Sekien depicts this Yōkai in the Gazu Hyakki Yagyō giving it the alternative name of a ‘Harlot-Spider‘. Sekien depicts the creature perched atop a cherry tree in bloom (therefore depicting Spring), but with orb-weaver Spiders (who exist in[...]
One Hundred Famous Views of Edo
One Hundred Famous Views of EdoOne Hundred Famous Views of Edo One Hundred Famous Views of Edo (名所江戸百景, Meisho Edo Hyakkei) is a publication of Ukiyo-e prints created by Utagawa Hiroshige. Within its pages, it includes only one image with a supernatural element, where a Kitsunebi is depicted.1 References 1. Yoda, H. and Alt, M. (2016)[...]
Miyamoto no Yoshitsune
Miyamoto no YoshitsunePeriod: Heian Period Occupation: Samurai Miyamoto no Yoshitsune Miyamoto no Yoshitsune (源 義経) was a known martial artist and a Samurai during his lifetime. According to legend, he learnt his skills in martial art from the Yōkai known as the Tengu.1 Footnotes 1. Yoda, H. and Alt, M. (2016) “Japandemonium:[...]
Kawanabe Kyōsai
Kawanabe KyōsaiBorn: 1831 Died: 1889 Period: Edo Period Occupation: Artist Kawanabe Kyōsai Kawanabe Kyōsai (河鍋 暁斎) (1831-1889) was a Ukiyo-e artists who was associated with the Utagawa School. As a great artist he created many striking portrayals of Yōkai and Yurei inspired by Toriyama Sekien.1 Footnotes 1. Yoda, H. and Alt,[...]
Tsukioka Yoshitoshi
Tsukioka YoshitoshiBirth: 1839 Death: 1902 Period: Edo Period Occupation: Artist Tsukioka Yoshitoshi Tsukioka Yoshitoshi (月岡 芳年) (1839-1902) was an Ukiyo-e artist who was associated with the Utagawa School. As a great artist he created many striking portrayals of Yōkai and Yurei inspired by Toriyama Sekien.1 Known Works Footnotes 1. Yoda, H.[...]
Emperor Shirakawa
Emperor ShirakawaReign: 1073-1087AD Period: Heian Period Family: Fujiwara no Kenshi (wife) Burial Place: – Order of Succession: Predecessor Emperor Go-Sanjō * Successor Emperor Horikawa Emperor Shirakawa Emperor Shirakawa (白河天皇) was the 72nd Emperor of Japan. Family He was married to the daughter of Morozane, Fujiwara no Kenshi.3 Childhood His wet nurse,[...]
Emperor Kotei
Emperor KoteiPeriod: Legenedery Period Family: Emperor Yuhi (father) Emperor Kotei Emperor Kotei is said to have been the son of Emperor Yuhi, and is mentioned in the Folktale The Shinansha. He ascends as Emperor after his father, quickly becoming troubled by the rebel Shiyu who wished to take his throne. And[...]
The Shinansha
The ShinanshaSee also: List of Folktales See also: The Shinansha (Artefact) The Shinansha The Shinansha, also known as The South Pointing Carriage is a Japanese Folktale relating to China. Synopsis One day the mother of Emperor Kotei was out walking, looking at the North Star vivid flashes of lightning came from[...]
Empress Suiko
Empress SuikoReign: 593-628AD Period: Asuka Period Family: Emperor Bidatsu (husband) Emperor Kinmei (father) Emperor Yōmei (brother) Soga no Umako (uncle) Shōtoku Taisha (nephew) Burial Place: – Order of Succession: Predecessor Emperor Sushun * Successor Emperor Jomei Empress Suiko Empress Suiko (推古天皇) was the thirty-third Emperor of Japan1, younger sister to Emperor[...]
Shōtoku Taishi
Shōtoku TaishiPeriod: Asuka Period Family: Emperor Yōmei (father) Empress Suiko (aunt) Occupation: Prince, sesshō Shōtoku Taishi Shōtoku Taishi (聖徳太子) also known as Prince Umayado was the son of Emperor Yomei nephew of Empress Suiko. He is said to have been able to speak at birth and was an accomplished scholar, able[...]
Creatures in Literature
Creatures in LiteratureCreatures in Literature Here follows a list of Creatures in Literature, found in Japanese literature, and any themes connected to their appearances. See also: List of Supernatural Creatures Yōkai Yūrei Dragons Birds In addition to the specific tyes of birds listed below, it is said that a bird stops the[...]
The Tongue Cut Sparrow
The Tongue Cut SparrowSee also: List of Folktales The Tongue Cut Sparrow The Tongue Cut Sparrow (舌切り雀) is a Folktale about an old husband and wife and a Sparrow. Synopsis The old man was kind-hearted and loving, however, the woman always spoiled the happiness of their home with her scolding tongue. The old[...]
Ryūjin
RyūjinFamily: Otohime Sama (daughter) Urashima Taro (son-in-law) Ryūjin Ryūjin or Ryōjin (龍神) is the Dragon King of the Sea. He is mentioned in the tale Urashima Taro the Fisher Lad but not seen.1 Footnotes 1. Ozaki, Y.T. (1903) “The Japanese Fairy Book”. Westminster: Archibald Constable & Co. Ltd.[...]
Otohime Sama
Otohime SamaFor the member of the Imperial Family see: Otohime Family: Ryūjin (father) Urashima Tarō (husband) Otohime Sama Otohime Sama (乙姫) was the daughter and Princess of Ryūjin noted in the Folktale Urashima Taro the Fisher Lad. She is described as having lovely black hair fashioned in the style of hundreds[...]
Ryūgū-jō
Ryūgū-jōRyūgū-jō Ryūgū-jō (竜宮城, 龍宮城) is the home of Ryūjin the Dragon King of the Sea, mentioned in the tale Urashima Taro the Fisher Lad. The place is described as having a magnificent gate, with sloping roofs. The servants of the palace are fish. The rest of the building is built[...]
Urashima Tarō
Urashima TarōOccupation: Fisherman Family: Otohime Sama (wife) Urashima Tarō Urashima Tarō (浦島 太郎) is known from the Folktale Urashima Taro the Fisher Lad. Origins The earliest versions of this Folktale appear in the Tango Fudoki where the character of Urashima is given the name Shima no Ko.1 Folktales Synopsis Urashima was[...]
Urashima Tarō the Fisher Lad
Urashima Tarō the Fisher LadSee also: List of Folktales Urashima Tarō the Fisher Lad Urashima Tarō the Fisher Lad (浦島 太郎) is a Folktale about Urashima Taro and a Tortoise. Origins The earliest versions of this Folktale appear in the Tango Fudoki where the character of Urashima is given the name Shima no Ko.1[...]
Hiraoka Shrine
Hiraoka ShrineCo-ordinates: 34°40′12″N 135°39′2.5″ Region: Kansai Region Prefecture: Osaka Prefecture Founded: Affiliation: Shinto Hiraoka Shrine Hiraoka Shrine (枚岡神社) is a Shinto shrine with links to the Yōkai spirit called the Ubagabi. The creature is said to have been a fireball, though looked like an old woman, who had a habit of[...]
Ubagabi
UbagabiUbagabi The Ubagabi (姥火, Hag-Fire) is a Yōkai depicted in the Gazu Hyakki Yagyō by Toriyama Sekien, also appearing in the book A Record of Famous Places in Kawachi. The book describes the creature as a fireball which appears near Hiraoka Shrine and floated to the nearby village. People believe[...]
Kawachi Kagami Meishoki
Kawachi Kagami MeishokiKawachi Kagami Meishoki Kawachi Kagami Meishoki (A Record of Famous Places in Kawachi, 河内鉴名所记) is at the name suggests, a book centered on the area of Kawachi written in the 17th Century. Within the book it talks of the Yōkai Spirit the Ubagabi which haunts the area and Hiraoka Shrine[...]
Yamato Monogatari
Yamato MonogatariYamato Monogatari The Yamato Monogatari (大和物語, Tales of Yamato) is a 10th Century monogatari. Poets The poet Henjo is mentioned within the text, with many stories about his many lovers and religious conversations that he had included inside.2 Supernatural Creatures Within its texts it discusses the Yōkai known as the[...]
Toriyamabiko
ToriyamabikoToriyamabiko The Toriyamabiko (鳥山彦 – Sekien’s Echoes) is an Art Book published in the Spring of 1774 by Toriyama Sekien, the title invoking the name of the Yōkai creature the Yamabiko. The book introduces the art style of fuki-bokashi, which allowed artists to more easily add color gradations to woodblock[...]
Kasha
KashaKasha The Kasha (火車) is a Yōkai depicted in the Gazu Hyakki Yagyō by Toriyama Sekien, a description of encountering this creature is described in the Bōsō Manroku. It describes the creature as appearing at funerals, heralded by winds so great they could knock over mourners and take the coffin[...]
Bōsō Manroku
Bōsō ManrokuBōsō Manroku The Bōsō Manroku (茅窓漫録, The Musings of Bōsō) is a 1833 book written by Chihara Kyosai under the pen name of Bōsō. The book contains a description of the Yōkai Spirit known as the Kasha, describing a typical encounter with the creature during a funeral.1 External Links View[...]
Kachi-Kachi Yama
Kachi-Kachi YamaSee also: List of Folktales Kachi-Kachi Yama Kachi-Kachi Yama (かちかち山) also known as The Farmer and the Badger is a Folktale about a Rabbit and a Badger. Synopsis There was an old farmer and his wife whose neighbour was a mischievous Badger, who would come into his land and[...]
Dragon King’s Palace in Lake Biwa
Dragon King’s Palace in Lake BiwaCo-ordinates: N/A (Mythical) Region: Kansai Region Prefecture: Shiga Prefecture The Dragon King’s Palace The Dragon King’s Palace (龍宮城) is the home of The Dragon King, located at the bottom of Lake Biwa. It is noted in the Folktale My Lord Bag of Rice that it is ‘beautiful’ and ‘built of[...]
Mount Mikami
Mount MikamiCo-ordinates: 35.0503°N 136.0378°E Region: Kansai Region Prefecture: Shiga Prefecture Height: 432 m. Mount Mikami Mount Mikami (三上山) is a mountain within Shiga Prefecture. It is mentioned as the home of The Giant Centipede Seta in the Japanese Folktale My Lord Bag of Rice where Fujiwara Hidesato kills the Giant Centipede[...]
Seta
SetaCreature type: Centipede Home: Mount Mikami Seta Seta is a creature, more specifically a Giant Centipede, known from the Folktale My Lord Bag of Rice living on Mount Mikami, described as having eyes that glowed like two balls of fire, its body so big its body wrapped around the mountain[...]
Lake Biwa
Lake BiwaCo-ordinates: 35°20′N 136°10′E Region: Kansai Region Prefecture: Shiga Prefecture Depth: 104 metres. Lake Biwa Lake Biwa (琵琶湖) is a lake within Shiga Prefecture. The Seta-no-Karashi Bridge is built on the lake.1 According to Buddhist tradition, Mount Fuji rose from the earth in 286 BC after an earthquake that also created[...]
Seta no Karashi Bridge
Seta no Karashi BridgeCo-ordinates: Region: Kansai Region Prefecture: Shiga Prefecture Seta no Karashi Bridge Seta no Karashi Bridge is a bridge over Lake Biwa. It is featured in the Japanese Folktale My Lord Bag of Rice where Fujiwara Hidesato walks over the body of a dragon lying asleep across it who later reveals[...]
The Dragon King of Lake Biwa
The Dragon King of Lake BiwaCreature type: Dragon Home: Palace at the bottom of Lake Biwa The Dragon King The Dragon King also called the Dragon King of the Lake is a Dragon known from the tale My Lord Bag of Rice living in a Palace at the bottom of Lake Biwa, described as having[...]
Fujiwara Hidesato
Fujiwara HidesatoPeriod: Heian Period Occupation: Chinjufu-shōgun, Governor Family: Fujiwara no Uona (ancestor) Fujiwara no Murao (father) Birth: – Death: – Fujiwara Hidesato Fujiwara Hidesato (藤原 秀郷) also known as Tawara Tōda (俵藤太)3 is included in the Folktale My Lord Bag of Rice. He is noted to have had the nature of[...]
Sado Island
Sado IslandCo-ordinates: 38°1′N 138°22′E Region: Chūbu Region Prefecture: Niigata Prefecture Sado Island Sado Island (佐渡ヶ島, Marsh Paddy Isle) was, according to the Kojiki, the seventh island born after the Great Land of Eightfold Isles.1 The Nihongi also has this island as one of original Eightfold Isles. Though differs in saying it[...]
Kyushu
KyushuCo-ordinates: 33°N 131°E Prefectures: Fukuoka Prefecture, Kagoshima Prefecture, Kumamoto Prefecture, Miyazaki Prefecture, Nagasaki Prefecture, Oita Prefecture, Okinawa Prefecture, Saga Prefecture Kyushu Kyushu (九州, Nine Provinces) also called Tsukushi (筑紫島, Lands End) in the kojiki and nihongi is one of the four main islands of Japan, the islands older name of[...]
Emperor Keikō
Emperor KeikōReign: 71-130AD Period: Legendary Period Family: Emperor Suinin (father) Hibasuhime (mother) Yasakairihime (wife) Emperor Seimu (son) many children see below Burial place: misasagi in Yamanobe Order of Succession: Predecessor Emperor Suinin * Successor Emperor Seimu Emperor Keikō Emperor Keikō (景行天皇) was the twelfth Emperor of Japan also known as Ōtarashihiko Oshirowake[...]
Emperor Sujin
Emperor SujinReign: 97-30BC Born: 148BC Period: Legendary Period Family: Emperor Kaika (father) Ikagashikome (mother) Many wives and children see below. Burial place: misasagi in Isonokami Order of Succession: Predecessor Emperor Kaika * Successor Emperor Suinin Emperor Sujin Emperor Sujin (崇神 天皇) was the 10th Emperor of Japan also known as Mimakiiribikoiniye (御眞木入日子印恵命)1[...]
Enryaku-ji
Enryaku-jiCo-ordinates: 35°04′14″N 135°50′28″E Region: Kansai Region Prefecture: Shiga Prefecture Founded: 788AD Affiliation: Buddhism Enryaku-ji Enryaku-ji (延暦寺) is a Buddhist Temple overlooking Kyoto. The temple itself is build upon Mount Hiei, situated in the old Province of Omi. Built during the Heian Period, the temple gained control of many estate lands[...]
Miidera
MiideraCo-ordinates: 35°00′48″N 135°51′10″E Region: Kansai Region Prefecture: Shiga Prefecture Founded: 672AD Affiliation: Buddhism Miidera (三井寺,御井寺) is a Buddhist Temple located close to Lake Biwa in Otsu city. Folktales It is mentioned in the Japanese Folktale My Lord Bag of Rice. According to the story, Fujiwara Hidesato donated a bell to[...]
Raigō
RaigōBirth: – Death: – Period: Heian Period Occupation: Buddhist Monk Raigō Raigō was a Buddhist monk who lived during the reign of Emperor Shirakawa, residing at Mii-dera. During his lifetime he was tasked by Shirakawa to pray for the safe birth of his son, with the promise of his temple[...]
Onmyōdō
OnmyōdōOnmyōdō Onmyōdō (陰陽道) is a concept in Japan which used the ideoogy of Ying and Yang which originated in China. Emperor Richū (400-406AD) is said to have died from a lack of harmony in the ‘elements of water and earth’ within him showing that the concept of Ying and Yang[...]
Furaribi
FuraribiFuraribi The Furaribi (ふらり火) (Wander-Flame), also known as the Burari-bi, is a type of Yōkai depicted in the Gazu Hyakki Yagyō by Toriyama Sekien. The word ‘furari’ meaning to wander without a destination. The Yōkai appears, similarly depicted, in the Hyakkai Zukan by Sawaki Sūshi shown as a white bird-like[...]
Kamikiri
KamikiriKamikiri The Kamikiri (髪切り) (Hair Cutter) is a type of Yōkai depicted in the Hyakkai Zukan by Sawaki Sūshi.1 The image from the Hyakki Zukan shows a grey colored creatures, whose beak and hand resembles the blades of scissors, with a like for cutting hair. Other Depictions Footnotes 1. Yoda,[...]
Sawaki Sūshi
Sawaki SūshiBirth: – Death: – Period: Edo Period Occupation: Artist, Author Sawaki Sūshi Sawaki Sūshi (佐脇 嵩之) is the creator of the Hyakkai Zukan, a Yōkai scroll which inspired much of Toriyama Sekien’s first book on Yōkai.1 Footnotes 1. Yoda, H. and Alt, M. (2016) “Japandemonium: Illustrated: The Yokai Encyclopaedia of[...]
Hyakkai Zukan
Hyakkai ZukanHyakkai Zukan The Hyakkai Zukan (百怪図巻, Illustrated Creeps), published in 1737, is a collection of picture scrolls depicted various types of Yōkai created by Sawaki Sūshi. These images greatly inspired the Yōkai works of Toriyama Sekien, in fact Volume three of his work the Gazu Hyakki Yagyō consists entirely of[...]
My Lord Bag of Rice
My Lord Bag of RiceSee also: List of Folktales My Lord Bag of Rice My Lord Bag of Rice (俵藤太, Tawara Tōda) is a Japanese Folktale about Fujiwara Hidesato and The Dragon King. Synopsis Fujiwara, also known as Tawara Toda, wished for adventure and so one day set out. Reaching Seta-no-Karashi Bridge on Lake[...]
Gazu Hyakki Yagyō
Gazu Hyakki YagyōGazu Hyakki Yagyō The Gazu Hyakki Yagyō (画図百鬼夜行), also called the Gazu Hyakki Yakō (The Illustrated Demon Horde’s Night Parade) is a compendium of Yōkai, demons and ghosts compiled by Toriyama Sekien, published in the Autumn of 1776. The books were inspired by the 10th Century Demon Horde’s Night Parade.[...]
Kurozuka
KurozukaKurozuka The Kurozuka (黒塚) is a Yōkai depicted in the Gazu Hyakki Yagyō by Toriyama Sekien. She was also known as the Onibaba. This Yōkai is detailed in a 10th Century Poem in the Yamato Monogatari stating: At Kurozuka, in Adachi of Mutsu Province, lurks a demon, they say. Could[...]
Mutsu Province
Mutsu ProvinceSee also: List of Provinces Mutsu Province Mutsu Province (陸奥国) is one of the many old Provinces of Japan. Originally known as Michinoku (陸奥 or 道奥) it was also known as Ōshu (奥州) or Rikushū and is categorized as one of the eight Tōsandō (Eastern Mountain Road) Provinces.12 The Province[...]
Emperor Jimmu
Emperor JimmuReign: 660-584BC Period: Legendary Period Family: Emperor Suizei (son) Burial Place: Near Mount Unebi. Order of Succession: Predecessor N/A * Successor Emperor Suizei Emperor Jimmu Emperor Jimmu (神武天皇) was the first legendary Emperor of Japan, dated in the Nihongi to have begun his rule on 11th February 660BC in Kashihara,[...]
Taiheiki
TaiheikiTaiheiki The Taiheiki (太平記, Chronicle of Great Peace) is a 14th Century chronicle. Within it contains several mentionings to certian Yōkai. One is that of Raigō, a monk, who dies from hunger strike. This is the result of the Emperor Shirakawa reneging on a promise he had made, causing him[...]
Tesso
TessoTesso Tesso (鉄鼠) is a Yōkai depicted in the Gazu Hyakki Yagyō by Toriyama Sekien. His tale is related in the Taiheiki. This Yōkai takes the form of a plague of rats created by the Monk Raigō after his spirit was reborn, dying from a hunger strike, the hunger strike[...]
Terajima Ryōan
Terajima RyōanPeriod: Edo Period Occupation: Dentist, Author, Artist Birth: – Death: Terajima Ryōan Terajima Ryōan (寺島良安) was an Osaka Dentist but also was the creator of the Wakan Sansai Zue which would later greatly inspire Toriyama Sekien in his depictions of Yōkai. He spent years cataloguing Chinese information on astronomy, botany,[...]
Wakan Sansai Zue
Wakan Sansai ZueWakan Sansai Zue The Wakan Sansai Zue (和漢三才図会 – Illustrated Sino-Japanese Encyclopedia of the Three Realms) was published around 1712, and created by Terajima Ryōan. Toriyama Sekien was greatly inspired by this book for his Yōkai.1 Yōkai mentioned in the book include: Amanozako – Describes her appearance as a mix[...]
Mononobe no Moriya
Mononobe no MoriyaPeriod: Asuka Period Occupation: – Family: – Birth: – Death: – Mononobe no Moriya Mononobe no Moriya (物部 守屋) was head of the Mononobe Clan during the reign of Emperor Sushun. He, not wishing to have Sushun on the throne, and to promote a different candidate, ended up in a[...]
Yatagarasu
YatagarasuYatagarasu The Yatagarasu or Sun Crow (八咫烏) is noted to be a sign from the divine in Shinto mythology. One instance has the Sun Crow being sent to Emperor Jimmu after he and his men reached an impasse during their military exploits. Amaterasu the Sun-Goddesses told him in a dream[...]
Sacred Regalia
Sacred RegaliaSee also: Divine Treasures Sacred Regalia The Sacred Regalia (三種の神器) are the three Sacred Items of the Imperial Throne, consisting of the Sword Kusanagi (草薙劍), the Jewel Yasakani no Magatama (八尺瓊勾玉) and the Mirror Yata no Kagami (八咫鏡). The Sacred Regalia is known to have been given by Amaterasu to[...]
Shikoku
ShikokuCo-ordinates: 33°45′N 133°30′E Prefecture: Ehime Prefecture, Kagawa Prefecture, Kochi Prefecture, Tokushima Prefecture. Shikoku Shikoku (四国, Four Provinces) also historically called Iyo (伊予, Land of Groves) in the kojiki and nihongi is one of the four main islands of Japan. Mythical Creation According to both the kojiki and the nihongi this[...]
Susano-o
Susano-oAffiliation: Shinto Kami of: Yomi Family: Amaterasu (sister) Tsukiyomi (brother) Ōkuninushi (son) Takiribime (daughter) Ichikishimahime (daughter) Takitsuhime (daughter) Ōkuninushi (descendant) Numerous other decendants Susano-o Susano-o (須佐之男), also called Hayasusano-o2, is known to be the father of Ōkuninushi and brother to the Sun Amaterasu and Moon Tsukiyomi. He rules over Yomi[...]
Shinto
ShintoShinto Shinto (神道) is one of the main relgions of Japan and is native to the country. Founding Mythology Founding Kami See also: List of Shinto Kami. The original three kami of Shinto which appeared when Heaven and Earth formed, as related in the Kojiki were known as follows:1 Amenominakanushi[...]
Nihongi
NihongiNihongi The Nihongi (日本紀 – Japanese Chronicles) also called the Nihon Shoki (日本書紀 – The Chronicles of Japan) is one of the oldest documents we have concerning early and mythological Japanese history. Creation and Sources The document was completed in AD7201, however, its inception may have begun in AD714 when[...]
Yamawarawa
YamawarawaYamawarawa The Yamawarawa (山童, Mountain Boy) is a type of Yōkai also know as the Yamawaro. The creature finds its origins in China in the 2nd Century Shenji Jing (Classic of Divine Marvels), first introduced into Japan in the Wakan Sansai Zue which gives the older name Yamawaro. The books[...]
Yamauba
YamaubaYamauba The Yamauba (山姥, Mountain Hag), also know as the Yamamba is a common bogey woman in children’s literature depicted in the Gazu Hyakki Yagyō. You can see where these creatures dwell as the height the clouds are upon the mountains shows how high they are currently living on their[...]
Yamabiko
YamabikoYamabiko The Yamabiko (幽谷響, Mystical Valley Echo) is a type of Yōkai depicted in the Gazu Hyakki Yagyō. It is also is a common term for the echoing sounds in mountains and canyons. Toriyama Sekien depicts him as a monkey-like creature. Normally the Characters for ‘Mountain’ and ‘Boy’ are used,[...]
Tengu
TenguTengu The Tengu (天狗) are a type of Yōkai depicted as a type of Raven in the Gazu Hyakki Yagyō. They have deep associations with the Shugendō Religion, seen as guardians of Mountains and some legends state that martial artists such as Miyamoto no Yoshitsune learned their tricks from these[...]
Tanuki
TanukiTanuki The Tanuki (狸) (Racoon-Dog) is a type of Yōkai which is also a real-life animal. Folklore says it is a notorious trickster. Later portrayals of the Yōkai depict it with large testicles. Toriyama Sekien in his work, the Gazu Hyakki Yagyō, depicts the creature on hind legs, drumming its[...]
Nekomata
NekomataNekomata The Nekomata (猫股 – Forked Cat) is a type of Yōkai in the form of a cat, depicted in the Gazu Hyakki Yagyō and Hyakkai Zukan. According to the legend, when a cat reaches a certain age it gains the ability to talk, walk on hind legs and its tail[...]
Kodama
KodamaKodama Kodama (木魅, Tree-Spirit) is a type of Yōkai, which dwell in trees. Toriyama Sekien states in his work Gazu Hyakki Yagyō that: It is said that ancient trees have kami that reveal themselves. 百年の樹には神ありてかたちをあらはすといふ. Sekien’s depicts these beings as an elderly couple carrying rakes and brooms, living in an[...]
Kitsunebi
KitsunebiKitsunebi The Kitsunebi (狐火 – Fire-Fox) is a type of yōkai said to have visited the Ōji Inari Shrine on the last day of the year. Foxes normally shapeshift by placing a human bone between their teeth. Once there they would exhale fire from their nose and mouths, people watching[...]
Kawauso
KawausoKawauso The Kawauso (獺, River Otter) is a type of Japanese yōkai depicting by Toriyama Sekien in the gazu hyakki yagyō. This creature is known to be a trickster and shapeshifter, able to take on human form, especially that of a beautiful woman who would try to bewitch unwary travellers.[...]
Kappa
KappaKappa The Kappa (河童), also noted by Toriyama Sekien as being called the Kawatarō and Kawa-warawa is a type of Japanese yōkai depicted in the gazu hyakki yagyō. They are distinctive as frog-type men, with tortoise shell backs and a water-filled depression on the top of their heads. Spilling the[...]
Kamaitachi
KamaitachiKamaitachi The Kamaitachi (窮奇 – Sickle-Weasel) is a type of yōkai involving a mysterious phenomenon where a sudden whirlwind will nip at your skin. The creature depicted by Toriyama Sekien in the gazu hyakki yagyō uses the Chinese Characters for a different creature called the Kyūki. One Chinese text called[...]
Inugami
InugamiInugami and Shirachigo The Inugami (犬神 – Dog kami) is a type of yōkai depicted in the gazu hyakki yagyō alongside the creature Shirachigo (白児 – White Child). The Inugami is also seen in the hyakkai zukan. The Inugami has associations with Western Japan and the island of Shikoku, here[...]
Akaname
AkanameAkaname The Akaname (垢嘗 – Filth Licker) is a type of yōkai depicted in the gazu hyakki yagyō. Noted to have red skin as the word ”aka” for filth is also the word for red. Additionally, it is the colour one is when getting out of a hot bathtub. The[...]
Amikiri
AmikiriAmikiri The Amikiri (網剪 – Net-Cutter) is a type of yōkai, with the ”Ami” part of its name meaning both net and being a type of shrimp-like crustacean. The creature depicted by Toriyama Sekien in the gazu hyakki yagyō appears to have a preference to cutting mosquito-netting.1 External Links View[...]
Adachi
AdachiRegion: Tohoku Region Prefecture: Fukushima Prefecture Co-ordinates: 37°36′26.4″N 140°27′40.5″E Adachi Adachi (安達) is a village located within Fukushima Prefecture. Historically, it was located within Mutsu Province. A 10th Century document entitled the Yamato Monogatari mentions the village within a poem, stating it is the home of the Yōkai known as[...]
Toriyama Sekien
Toriyama SekienBirth: 1712 Death: 1788 Period: Edo Period Occupation: Artist Toriyama Sekien Toriyama Sekien (鳥山 石燕) was born 1712 and died 1788. Most notably known for his four compendiums on the yōkai he was the first person to systematically categorise them. He was born Sano Toyofusa and was part of the[...]
Amaterasu
AmaterasuAffiliation: Shinto Kami of: The Sun Family: Izanami? (mother) Susano-o (brother) Tsukiyomi (brother) Ninigi (grand-son) Ōkuninushi (nephew) Amenooshihomimi (son) Amenohohi (son) Amatsuhikone (son) Ikutsuhikone (son) Kumanokusubi (son) Amaterasu Amaterasu (天照 – Heaven Shining) also known as Ōhirume-no-muchi-no-kami (大日孁貴神) is the Sun kami of Shinto, born in some accounts from the kami[...]