Yōkai! Jorōgumo! Kappa!

Japan is fantastically weird and it always has been. They have an incredibly deep mythological history that many people of the western world will never know,  I am sure most would not give a shit if they did....

So, let me fill you in!!!! Heres a selection of odd creatures dating back to before the Edo period.


'Yōkai' which literally translates into Monster, Demon, AND Monster Spirit (no human spirits allowed!). It's a broad term. Forgot to throw shape-shifting animals in to that line up. Yōkai and the stories of Yōkai are mainly influenced by the religions of Japan (primarily Shinto and Buddhism) although some are created from foreign influence. Here's a selection of some of my favorites....

                                                 "Don't forget your umbrella"

'Jorōgumo' otherwise known as the binding lady. When a female spider turns 400 years old she gains a magical power. That magical power happens to be transforming into a beautiful woman and seducing human men with great power, such as a shogun or king. This usually ends up with the "beautiful woman" reverting back into a gross man sized spider. Consumption of powerful human male is inevitable.

                       "Looks like you wont need that condom in your wallet, Toshi"

'Kappa' otherwise known as the water sprite. Hes a rascally one, this guy. They are not necessarily evil, but are known for accidentally drowning humans because they want to play with them down in the deeper depths of a river or lake. Don't worry, there is no Kappa in the ocean. The most unique feature of this creature would be the concave skull filled with water, supposedly if this water is ever spilled, said Kappa will be severely weakened and possibly even die. Moral of the story: try not to be a dumb ass while swimming.

                                       "what the heck is going on here!?"

'Tanuki' the Japanese raccoon dog. This is a real animal, hes a real charlatan too. The reason why these cute lil' buggers are tied into Japanese folklore is simple really..... Something goes missing, no suspects, no witnesses..... It was a Tanuki. These little globetrotters are usually portrayed as being shape shifters because of their stealthy method of getting what they want in real life. A Tanuki will take drastic measures to get what they want without being spotted, makes ya wonder cause they are one of the largest balled animals out there. Im not kidding. A Tanuki sack is the true legend behind these critters.

                                              "Stop thinking about our balls!"

'Jinmenju' The human faced tree. This twisted mockery of plant and mammal is said to grow in remote areas of China's mountain ranges. The faces grow like fruit and are always smiling or laughing, even when they fall to the ground. If a mortal eats one of the face fruits, they will be granted immortality, of course only after they bring another human soul for the tree to feast on, obviously.

                                    "So a priest and a rabbi walk into a bar..."

'Hibagan' Japanese Bigfoot. Has all the perks of an American Bigfoot. Smelly and mysterious. There ya go. 1st blog over. bedtime.