The creatures of Japanese folklore

Meet the 妖怪 (yokai) — the spirits, monsters, and shapeshifters of Japan. Every entry tells the legend and breaks down the kanji behind the name.

4 of 85 creatures published so far.

A pale, beautiful woman of the snowstorm who freezes travelers to death.

A proud mountain spirit with a red face and long nose, master of martial arts.

Horned, fanged ogres of immense strength, often red or blue.

A mischievous, turtle-like river imp with a water-filled dish on its head.