Yokai Tales Gallery

General of discarded tableware, marching in the folk tradition of Izumo to ward off disease and pestilence.

The Setotaisho ("General of Seto Ware") is a yokai in the form of ceramic tableware, depicted by the great Edo-period yokai artist Toriyama Sekien.…

Shimane

Slow-swimming bronze spirit of the Uwa Sea, whose rare sighting in regional lore is hailed as an omen of long life.

Legends of the Umibōzu ("Sea Monk") can be found throughout Japan, but they are especially common along the coast of the Uwa Sea in Ehime Prefecture. This particular version is said to have a reddish-bronze body, round eyes, a short tail, and, surprisingly, it is a rather slow swimmer. Anyone fortunate enough to catch sight of it is said to be blessed with a long life.

Ehime

Sacred white fox of Mount Gongen whose legend tells of healing waters and the discovery of thermal springs.

According to legend, an injured white fox healed its wounds in a pond beside a small temple at the foot of Mount Gongen.…

Yamaguchi

Human-faced ox calf of Mount Kurahashi whose singular prophecy in legend was kept as a shield against misfortune.

A mysterious creature said to have appeared on Mount Kurahashi in what is now Miyazu City, Kyoto Prefecture. It had the face of a human and the body of an ox. According to legend, making an image of the creature and displaying it in one's home would ward off disease and bring abundant harvests.

Kyoto

Crimson-faced mountain giant of Satsuma, matching strength with outlaws in bouts of forest sumo.

A powerful yokai said to dwell in the mountains of Satsuma. Its face is bright red, as though painted with makeup, and its body is as large as a bear. Proud of its strength, it challenges every person it encounters to a sumo match. It is said to be so formidable that even the toughest outlaws regard it as the ultimate opponent.

Kagoshima