Japanese mythology is replete with strange monsters, ghosts and demons. Most of them are classified into two kinds: youkai (supernatural beings) and yurei (ghosts), whose images and purposes seem strange to the understanding of Europeans. In the list below, we will talk about the ten most interesting, in our opinion, creatures from Japanese folklore. If you know about more amazing Japanese monsters, write us about them in the comments.
Gashadokuro
Gashadokuro - Usually described as a giant skeleton 15 times taller than a human. Created from the accumulated bones of people who died of hunger. According to legend, these monsters are invisible and indestructible. They wander after midnight, catching lonely travelers, bite off their heads and drink their blood completely. The only way to detect a gashadokuro before it appears is to hear bells ringing in your ears.
Ubume
Ubume - according to legend, this is a spirit that appears in the image of an old pregnant woman with a baby in her arms. She wanders the streets and begs passers-by to take her child in her arms, but as soon as she hands it over, she immediately disappears. It is believed that the weight of the baby gradually increases until the baby turns into a huge boulder or rock.
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Joryogumo
Jorōgumo is a creature described in Japanese mythology as a bloodthirsty spider capable of transforming into a beautiful, seductive woman. Legends say that this creature in the guise of a woman lured men to a quiet place and played the biwa (the national Japanese musical instrument). While the man was spellbound by the sound of the music, the monster tied him up with a web and ate him.
Bake-kujira
The seventh place in the list of interesting creatures from Japanese folklore is occupied by Bake-kujira - a ghostly skeleton of a whale, which, according to stories, often appears off the Japanese coast near Shimane Prefecture, accompanied by many ominous and unknown species of birds and fish. It is considered the embodiment of animal hatred for hunters.
Kasa Obake
Kasa-obake is a mythical ghost, usually an old umbrella with one eye, one leg and a long tongue. Often seen in modern comics, films, and video games. In most cases, the kasa-obake are portrayed as naughty but harmless creatures who often make fun of their masters.
Akaname
Akaname is a demon that resembles a humanoid frog. Akaname is said to go out at night and lick the dirt in bathrooms, public baths and toilets. Despite their frightening appearance, they are not dangerous, however, if you take a bath after being licked by Akaname, you can catch some kind of disease.
Katakirauwa
Katakirauwa is a demon that appears in the form of an adult pig or piglet. Usually black, casts no shadows, has glowing red eyes, and only one ear. According to legend, it can only be seen at night in large cities. The pig runs underfoot and captures the souls of people, turning them into soulless zombies. Theft can be avoided, for example, by jumping on one leg.
Umibodzu
The third line in the list is occupied by Umibodzu - a spirit from Japanese folklore that lives in the ocean and overturns the ship of anyone who dares to speak to him, since he considers any word an insult. It is assumed that these are the vengeful spirits of the drowned monks.
Rokurokubi
Rokurokubi are creatures that look like ordinary people during the day and can stretch their necks to a great length at night. They are portrayed as very vicious; they seek to scare people to death, arrange all sorts of cruel jokes on them, sometimes even attack to kill. According to legend, rokurokubi are born as ordinary people, but they turn into monsters because of evil deeds or any violations of the commandments of Buddhism, committed by them or their relatives.
Dzyubokko
Jubokko - according to Japanese mythology, this tree grows on the battlefields where human blood was shed. It is believed that these unfortunate plants grew due to the killings that took place near them; knowing no other food, they began to thirst for human blood. Outwardly, they are no different from ordinary trees, but as soon as an unsuspecting person came under its branches, it grabbed the victim, killed and sucked dry. According to legend, the dzyubokko branch can completely heal a wounded person.