👺 Yōkai, Yūrei and assorted Bakemono-tachi 👹

A (very brief) introduction to Japan's "other" residents 😉

The Night-Parade-of-100-demons

Passport? Check. Luggage ready? Check. JR Pass? Check. Ghibli Park tickets? Booked. You are all set for your trip to Japan but are you ready for a potential encounter with its more mystical inhabitants? From water sprites to shape-shifting animals, wandering ghosts to powerful demons, Japan has a rich and ancient mythology.
Do you know how to behave in Tengu territory? What should you do if you meet a Kappa? Should you be concerned if you see a cat or a fox with two or more tails? Is your accommodation haunted? And what about that weight on your back that seems to be getting heavier and heavier? Not all of these creatures are dangerous or out to get you, for the most part yōkai are mischievous, cheeky pranksters. Some though are indeed dangerous; should you have the misfortune of crossing the path of the more blood-lusty sort, well, it's been nice knowing you.
If tales of the supernatural intrigue you, a good starting point would be reading the works of famous storyteller, manga-ka and folklore collector Shigeru Mizuki, and maybe visiting Sakaiminato, his childhood hometown.
So - ofuda at the ready - happy exploring!