Yokai are said to be ``monsters'' with mysterious and special powers that are beyond human comprehension, and even today, remnants of this tradition continue in some regions and even influence the way we view nature. This time we will introduce some of these monsters. Why not use it as a reference when traveling to Japan!
2023.06.191. Gashadokuro
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A ``Gashadokuro'' wanders around in the middle of the night making a loud noise. This Gashadokuro is a Japanese monster that died in battle or died in a field, and turned into a skeleton. He was born out of resentment because he was not allowed to attain Buddhahood or be buried. Gashadokuro is so huge that if living people come across it, they will be crushed and eaten. It is said that.
2. Kappa
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It has a green body, a shell on its back, and something like a plate on its head...you may have seen this monster at least once. This "Kappa" is also one of the famous Japanese monsters. In fact, the plate on top of it is filled with water, and it is said that if the plate breaks or the water dries out, it will lose its power.
By the way, my favorite vegetable is cucumber! If you happen to meet someone, why not give them a cucumber?
3. Tengu
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Tengu is one of the most famous Japanese monsters and is said to live in the mountains. Although it has a bird-like body and a large nose, it is said that it can fly freely in the sky using its wings and fan, and is said to have superhuman abilities. Tengu were known as evil beings, and when a person suddenly went missing, it was sometimes blamed on a tengu.
4. Oni
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Demons have blue, red, and yellow skin, messy hair, and horns, giving them a frightening and frightening impression. If this kind of appearance were to refer to something similar in countries other than Japan, would it be a troll? Demons are also known as monsters that bring disaster to people, and they sometimes appear in Japanese folk tales. There are various theories about the true identity of this demon, with some saying that humans' grudges and jealousies turn into evil spirits and change into demon form, and that evil humans become demons after death.
5. Rokurokubi
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At first glance, the ``Rokurokubi'' looks like an ordinary woman, but at night, its neck grows long and licks the kerosene from the Andon lantern, and its head separates from its body and wanders in the air. surprise people. However, it is said that Rokurokubi itself has no malicious intent and is active while the person is sleeping and returns before dawn. It is also said that if you hide your torso while your head is separated, you will not be able to get it back. You may have come across Rokurokubi without even realizing it...
6. Zashikiwara
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Zashikiwara are children who wear kimonos, and although they are generally harmless, they are mischievous monsters who move things around and run around while people are sleeping. Generally, they are said to be around 5 years old, but their appearance varies depending on the person looking at them, and some are said to be of different genders and ages, and some even appear to be animals. It is said that humans can feel happy when they see this zashiki warashi. It gives a scary impression, but I'm sure I'm not the only one who wants to see what it looks like...
7. One Eyed Boy
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It is said that ``Hittsume Kozo'' was originally a mountain god, but he lost his faith and became a monster. Their appearance is characterized by the fact that they often have one eye and one leg, and the reason for this is said to be to differentiate their appearances as humans and gods. Hitotomekozō are generally not bad, but they can sometimes startle people when they appear in front of humans, so don't worry if you see them.
8. Yuki Onna
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It is said that the ``yuki-onna'' with long black hair, white skin, and wearing a white kimono can be seen when wandering in the snowy mountains. It is known as an evil monster whose body is colder than ice, and those who approach it will be blown to death by freezing to death. It is said that if you meet a Yuki-onna, if you bring it close to fire or pour something hot on it, it will disappear.
9. Bakeneko
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A ``bakeneko'' is an old cat that transforms into a monster, and its characteristics include speaking human language, and changing into and out of human form. Her abilities include dancing around human corpses and stealing corpses during funerals. Also, according to a legend from the Edo period, it is said that he would lick andon lanterns like a rokurokubi. Although they may look cute at first glance, they are actually slightly scary monsters with special abilities.
10. Nine Tails
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At first glance, it looks like a normal fox, but it has nine tails. In reality, the Nine-Tails is an evil monster that disguises itself as a beautiful woman to swindle and play pranks on those in power.Although it was once exterminated, its appearance was turned into a large stone. However, the evil deeds did not stop, and it was said that the stone would continue to kill anyone who came close to it due to its grudge. The legendary stone actually exists in Tochigi Prefecture and still remains today. If you are interested, why not take a look from a distance? Never go near it!
summary
This time I would like to introduce you to traditional Japanese monsters that have been passed down since ancient times. There were a variety of monsters to see, from ones that would send shivers down your spine to ones that bring happiness. In addition to the yokai we have seen this time, there are many other yokai legends that are still passed down in Japan. Maybe I'll be able to meet you when I travel to Japan...
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