Japanese Folklore

Yūrei

Yūrei (幽霊) are ghosts from Japanese folklore and are believed to be spirits of the dead who have not been able to move on to the afterlife due to unresolved issues, emotional turmoil, or improper burial rites. The concept of Yūrei is deeply embedded in Japanese culture and has influenced literature, theater, and art for centuries. Yūrei are often compared to Western ghosts but have unique characteristics that reflect Japan’s spiritual beliefs, particularly those rooted in Shinto and Buddhism.

Tsuchigumo

Tsuchigumo (土蜘蛛), also known as “Earth Spiders,” are mythical creatures from Japanese folklore, often portrayed as giant spiders or yōkai (supernatural beings). These creatures are linked to both the physical and supernatural realms and have a rich history in Japanese legends and literature. The term “Tsuchigumo” was originally used to refer to indigenous groups in Japan but eventually became synonymous with the supernatural spider beings found in various stories.

Rokurokubi

Rokurokubi (ろくろ首) are fascinating and eerie creatures from Japanese folklore, known for their supernatural ability to stretch their necks to incredible lengths. While they appear as ordinary humans during the day, at night, their true nature is revealed when their necks elongate, sometimes to extreme lengths. Rokurokubi are primarily female, and while they can be mischievous, they are often portrayed as tragic figures, cursed to live a dual existence.

Oni

Oni (鬼) are one of the most well-known and iconic figures in Japanese folklore. These supernatural creatures are often depicted as fearsome demons or ogres with a variety of appearances and roles, ranging from terrifying villains to more neutral or even protective figures. They have played a significant role in Japanese culture, appearing in myths, legends, art, theater, and modern popular culture.

Kappa

The Kappa (also known as Kawatarō, Komahiki, Kawatora, or Suiko) is a mythical creature from Japanese folklore. It is a type of yōkai (supernatural being) that dwells in rivers, ponds, and other bodies of water. The Kappa is both feared and respected in Japanese culture, as it is known for its mischievous, and at times dangerous, behavior. While often depicted as pranksters, Kappa can also be deadly, luring people (especially children) into water to drown them or sucking out their shirikodama, a mythical organ believed to contain a person’s soul or vital essence.

Introduction to Japanese Folklore

Japanese folklore encompasses the myths, legends, and stories passed down through generations in Japan, often blending Shinto, Buddhist, and Taoist beliefs with local traditions. These stories feature a wide range of deities, spirits (kami), animals, and mythical creatures, and often focus on moral lessons, respect for nature, and the supernatural. Japanese folklore is deeply embedded in the country’s cultural and religious practices, reflecting its connection to the natural world and its reverence for the spirits that inhabit it.

Key Texts

Text	Description
Kojiki (Records of Ancient Matters)	The oldest written chronicle of Japan, dating back to the 8th century. The Kojiki contains the creation myths of Japan, including the story of the gods Izanagi and Izanami, and the origins of the Japanese imperial family.
Nihon Shoki (Chronicles of Japan)	A companion text to the Kojiki, the Nihon Shoki provides a more detailed historical account of Japan’s mythological and early historical events, including the deeds of the gods and the founding of Japan.
Konjaku Monogatari	A collection of stories from India, China, and Japan, compiled in the late Heian period. These stories feature a blend of historical and mythological figures, covering supernatural events, moral lessons, and Buddhist teachings.
The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter	An ancient Japanese folktale about a mysterious moon princess, Kaguya-hime, found inside a bamboo stalk. This story blends themes of nature, longing, and the supernatural and is one of Japan’s most well-known folktales.

Important Characters

Character	Description
Amaterasu	The sun goddess and one of the most important deities in Shinto. Amaterasu is the ruler of the heavens and the ancestor of the Japanese imperial family. Her retreat into a cave after a conflict with her brother Susanoo caused darkness in the world, until she was lured out by the other gods.
Susanoo	The storm god and younger brother of Amaterasu, Susanoo is known for his chaotic and destructive nature. He is, however, also a hero in many myths, including his defeat of the eight-headed serpent Yamata no Orochi.
Izanagi and Izanami	The primordial deities of Japanese mythology, Izanagi and Izanami are credited with the creation of the islands of Japan and the birth of many gods. Their story is one of creation, death, and the separation between the world of the living and the dead.
Kaguya-hime	The moon princess from The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter, Kaguya-hime is a mysterious figure sent to Earth from the moon. Her beauty attracts many suitors, including the emperor, but she eventually returns to her celestial home.
Oni	Oni are fearsome demons in Japanese folklore, often depicted with red or blue skin, horns, and great strength. Oni are typically associated with evil, punishment, and calamity, but some stories depict them as protectors of certain places.

Significant Places

Mount Fuji: The tallest mountain in Japan, Mount Fuji is a sacred site in Japanese culture and features prominently in folklore. It is often associated with gods, spirits, and the legendary ascetic, En no Gyōja, who is said to have practiced rituals on the mountain.
Takamagahara: The heavenly realm of the Shinto gods (kami), ruled by Amaterasu. In Japanese mythology, Takamagahara is where the gods live and hold council, and it serves as the divine counterpart to the earthly realm.
Yomi: The underworld in Japanese mythology, ruled by the goddess Izanami after her death. It is a place of darkness and decay, and Izanagi’s journey to Yomi to retrieve Izanami is a significant story in the creation myths of Japan.
Ise Shrine: One of the most important Shinto shrines, dedicated to Amaterasu. Ise Shrine is a place of pilgrimage and holds deep spiritual significance in Japan, often tied to the imperial family’s divine descent from Amaterasu.

Mythical Creatures

Creature	Description
Kitsune	Kitsune are magical foxes known for their intelligence and their ability to shapeshift into human form. They are often associated with the god Inari and can be both benevolent protectors and mischievous tricksters.
Tengu	Tengu are bird-like spirits in Japanese folklore, known for their martial prowess and magical abilities. Tengu are often depicted as either protectors of the mountains or troublesome beings who challenge the arrogance of mortals.
Yokai	Yokai are a broad class of supernatural creatures and spirits in Japanese folklore, ranging from mischievous spirits to dangerous monsters. Examples include the playful tanuki (raccoon dog) and the menacing Noppera-bo (faceless ghost).
Yurei	Yurei are spirits of the dead in Japanese folklore, often depicted as ghosts who remain in the mortal world due to unresolved grievances. They are similar to Western ghosts but play a significant role in Japanese tales of haunting and supernatural occurrences.
Yamata no Orochi	An eight-headed and eight-tailed serpent defeated by the god Susanoo. This legendary creature is a symbol of chaos and destruction, and its defeat by Susanoo is a central heroic myth in Japanese folklore.

Mythological Themes

Creation and Divine Order: Many Japanese myths focus on the creation of the world, the islands of Japan, and the divine order established by the gods. Stories of Izanagi and Izanami, as well as the role of Amaterasu in ruling the heavens, reflect the importance of divine authority and harmony in Japanese culture.
Respect for Nature and Spirits: A core theme in Japanese folklore is the reverence for nature and its spirits. Mountains, rivers, trees, and animals are often seen as sacred, and many stories highlight the importance of living in harmony with nature to avoid the wrath of spirits.
Shapeshifting and Transformation: The concept of shapeshifting is common in Japanese folklore, especially with creatures like kitsune and tengu. These transformations often symbolize the fluidity between the natural and supernatural worlds, as well as the potential for deception or enlightenment.
Good vs. Evil: Many folktales involve the battle between good and evil, often depicted through heroic gods like Susanoo fighting malevolent beings like Oni or Yamata no Orochi. These stories emphasize bravery, honor, and the protection of the community from chaos and evil forces.
Fate and Karma: Japanese folklore is also influenced by Buddhist concepts of karma and fate. Many stories involve characters reaping the consequences of their actions, whether through reincarnation, spiritual punishment, or reward in the afterlife.