Mythical Creatures from Japanese Mythology

Japanese mythology, often overshadowed by its Western counterparts, harbors a labyrinth of supernatural beings and mythical creatures that challenge our perceptions of reality. These entities, far from being mere figments of ancient imagination, wield profound influence over Japan’s cultural, religious, and historical landscape. They range from benevolent spirits that shower blessings to malevolent beings that epitomize human fears and transgressions. This editorial plunges into the enigmatic world of Japanese mythical creatures, offering a comprehensive exploration backed by examples, data, and cultural nuances. Prepare to confront the unsettling and the awe-inspiring as we unravel the truths and myths that shape Japan’s mystical heritage.

Yokai: The Supernatural Beings of Japan

Oni: The Demonic Ogres

Oni are perhaps the most recognizable creatures in Japanese folklore. These fearsome demons or ogres are typically depicted with red or blue skin, horns, and sharp teeth. Oni are often associated with disaster and punishment, appearing in stories as the embodiment of malevolence. They are believed to inhabit the underworld and are known to torment humans, especially those who have committed sins. The “Setsubun” festival, held annually on February 3rd, involves a ritual of throwing beans to ward off oni, symbolizing the driving away of evil spirits. This festival has become a significant cultural event, with participation across Japan. Oni masks and costumes are also popular during this time, reflecting the enduring cultural impact of these creatures.

The legend of Shuten-dōji, a famous oni, highlights their malevolent nature. Shuten-dōji was a demon leader known for kidnapping and devouring humans until he was ultimately defeated by the hero Minamoto no Yorimitsu and his companions. The story underscores the eternal struggle between good and evil, portraying oni as the quintessential villains of Japanese folklore. Furthermore, the etymology of the word “oni” itself, derived from the old Japanese word “on,” meaning “to hide or conceal,” speaks to their elusive and sinister nature, lurking in the shadows of human consciousness and morality.

Tengu: The Bird-like Goblins

Tengu are bird-like creatures or goblins, often depicted with both human and avian features, such as wings and beaks. They are considered protectors of the mountains and forests. Historically, tengu were seen as disruptive demons and harbingers of war, but over time, their image softened to that of protective spirits. Tengu are known for their martial prowess and are often depicted training samurai. The Sojobo, the king of tengu, is a well-known figure in Japanese folklore, residing on Mount Kurama. He is said to have trained the famous warrior Minamoto no Yoshitsune, illustrating the tengu’s dual role as both feared and revered beings.

The Yamabushi tengu, a type of tengu associated with ascetic mountain monks, highlights the connection between these creatures and the spiritual practices of Shugendo, an ancient Japanese mountain worship tradition. The iconography of tengu, often depicted with long noses resembling the beaks of birds, symbolizes their otherworldly wisdom and martial skills. Their evolving portrayal from evil to protective beings reflects broader changes in Japanese society’s views on spirituality and nature, mirroring the transformation of the mountains from feared wilderness to revered sanctuaries.

Kappa: The Mischievous Water Spirits

Kappa are water spirits with a humanoid form, webbed hands and feet, and a dish of water on their heads that gives them their power. They are known for their mischievous and sometimes malevolent behavior, including drowning humans and animals. However, kappa can be appeased and even befriended. In some regions, offerings of cucumbers are made to placate these spirits. Interestingly, kappa are also credited with introducing certain cultural practices, such as the art of bone-setting, which highlights their complex role in Japanese folklore.

The town of Tono in Iwate Prefecture is famous for its many kappa legends, and it even has a Kappa Festival to celebrate these creatures. The Tono Monogatari, a collection of folktales from this region compiled by Kunio Yanagita, includes numerous kappa stories that offer insight into the symbiotic relationship between humans and these water spirits. The kappa’s dish of water on its head is said to be the source of its strength, and if the water is spilled, the kappa loses its power. This vulnerability humanizes the kappa, making it a more relatable and multi-dimensional figure in folklore.

Legendary Creatures: Symbols of Myth and Nature

Ryujin: The Dragon King of the Sea

Ryujin, the Dragon King, is a powerful sea deity who rules over an underwater kingdom. He is often depicted as a giant dragon and is associated with the ocean’s bounties and natural disasters such as tsunamis. Ryujin’s palace, Ryugu-jo, is a magnificent underwater castle made of red and white coral. The legend of Ryujin highlights the ancient Japanese reverence for the sea and its unpredictable nature.

Ryujin is also linked to several important myths, such as the story of Urashima Taro, a fisherman who visits the Dragon King’s palace and experiences a form of time travel, returning to find centuries have passed. This myth emphasizes the mysterious and otherworldly aspects of the sea, reflecting the awe and respect that ancient Japanese people had for the ocean’s vast, uncharted depths. The story also introduces the concept of Ryujin as a keeper of time and secrets, intertwining his myth with themes of immortality and the fleeting nature of human life.

In another tale, Ryujin lends his jewel, the “tide jewels,” to Empress Jingu, which she uses to control the tides during her conquest of Korea. This story not only highlights Ryujin’s control over the sea but also integrates him into the historical narrative of Japan, blurring the lines between myth and recorded history.

Orochi: The Eight-Headed Serpent

Orochi is an eight-headed and eight-tailed serpent from Japanese mythology, slain by the storm god Susanoo. This creature symbolizes chaos and destruction, with each of its heads capable of causing immense devastation. The myth of Orochi reflects the ancient fears of natural disasters and the hope for divine intervention. In the legend, Susanoo discovers the serpent terrorizing a local family, and in exchange for their daughter’s hand in marriage, he defeats Orochi by getting it drunk on sake and cutting it to pieces.

This story not only highlights the heroism of Susanoo but also introduces the concept of using cunning and strategy to overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles. The remnants of Orochi’s body are said to have formed natural features such as rivers and mountains, further integrating this myth into Japan’s geographical and cultural landscape. The myth of Orochi is often seen as a metaphor for taming the natural world, reflecting the human desire to bring order to chaos and to harness nature’s power for the benefit of society.

Kitsune: The Enigmatic Fox Spirits

Kitsune are fox spirits known for their intelligence and magical abilities, including shape-shifting into human form. They can be both benevolent and malevolent. Benevolent kitsune are often associated with the deity Inari and act as protectors, while malevolent ones are known to deceive and manipulate humans. Kitsune are a staple in Japanese folklore, embodying the complex interplay between humans and the supernatural.

Inari shrines across Japan feature statues of foxes, highlighting their importance in Shinto belief. Kitsune are said to gain more tails and power as they age, with nine-tailed kitsune being the most powerful and wise. This aspect of their mythology parallels the Chinese myth of the Huli Jing and the Korean Gumiho, indicating a shared cultural motif across East Asia. The story of Tamamo-no-Mae, a legendary nine-tailed fox who served as a courtesan in the imperial court, illustrates the kitsune’s ability to infiltrate human society and influence politics and history.

The belief in kitsune’s shape-shifting abilities extends to various folktales, where they are known to transform into beautiful women to seduce men or into monks to deceive the pious. These stories reflect societal anxieties about deception and the unknown, as well as the kitsune’s role as a liminal figure straddling the line between the human and supernatural worlds. Additionally, kitsune are often depicted as tricksters, using their intelligence and cunning to outwit humans and other spirits, highlighting their complex moral ambiguity.

Spirits and Apparitions: The Ethereal Beings

Yurei: Restless Spirits of the Dead

Yurei are ghosts of people who have died with strong feelings of anger, jealousy, or sorrow. They are often depicted as pale, disheveled figures in white burial kimonos, with long, unkempt hair. Yurei stories are prevalent in Japanese culture, with famous examples like the vengeful spirit Oiwa from the kabuki play “Yotsuya Kaidan.” These spirits are believed to haunt the living until they find peace.

The phenomenon of yurei has had a lasting impact on Japanese horror, inspiring numerous films and literary works. For instance, the “Ju-On” (The Grudge) series and “Ringu” (The Ring) draw heavily on yurei imagery and themes, showcasing the enduring influence of these spirits in contemporary media. The annual Obon festival, a time when Japanese people honor their ancestors’ spirits, reflects the cultural importance of yurei and the belief in their presence and influence.

Yurei are often associated with specific locations, such as abandoned houses, cemeteries, or places of tragic death. This connection to physical spaces underscores the Japanese belief in the spiritual resonance of the environment, where the past leaves an indelible mark on the present. The visual iconography of yurei, with their distinctive appearance, has become a hallmark of Japanese ghost stories, evoking a sense of eerie familiarity and cultural continuity.

Zashiki-warashi: The Childlike House Spirits

Zashiki-warashi are childlike spirits that inhabit houses, bringing good fortune to the household. They are often described as playful children who can be seen and heard only by those who live in the house. If a zashiki-warashi leaves, it is believed that misfortune will soon follow. These spirits reflect the traditional Japanese belief in household deities and guardians.

Zashiki-warashi are particularly associated with the Tohoku region, where many old houses are said to host these spirits. The folklore suggests that seeing a zashiki-warashi brings prosperity, but their sudden departure can herald a reversal of fortune, underscoring their capricious nature. Famous tales, such as the story of the wealthy family whose fortunes declined after their zashiki-warashi left, illustrate the deep cultural roots and the high stakes associated with these household spirits.

The presence of zashiki-warashi is often accompanied by signs such as unexplained laughter, small footprints, or objects moving by themselves. These phenomena reinforce the belief in the spirit’s playful and childlike nature. The integration of zashiki-warashi into the daily lives of families highlights the importance of domestic harmony and the protective role of spirits in maintaining household well-being. Additionally, the belief in zashiki-warashi has influenced modern practices, such as the design of traditional Japanese inns (ryokan), where efforts are made to create an environment that would be welcoming to these benevolent spirits.

Unique and Miscellaneous Creatures

Kamaitachi: The Wind Weasels

Kamaitachi are weasel-like spirits that ride on the wind, cutting people with their sickle-like claws. They are often blamed for mysterious cuts or injuries that occur suddenly. Kamaitachi are believed to work in groups of three, with one knocking the victim down, the second cutting them, and the third applying medicine to prevent pain. This triadic structure of kamaitachi reflects a unique aspect of Japanese folklore, where supernatural beings often operate in groups, enhancing their mystique and complexity.

Kamaitachi legends are especially prevalent in rural areas of Japan, where strong winds and sudden injuries can be attributed to these elusive creatures. The phenomenon of kamaitachi is often linked to the harsh, cold winds of winter, particularly in the mountainous regions of Japan, further embedding these creatures in the natural environment and local weather patterns. In some stories, kamaitachi are seen as protective spirits, guarding certain areas from intruders, while in others, they are portrayed as malevolent beings causing harm and fear. This duality reflects the complex relationship between humans and the natural elements, where the same force can be both a source of protection and danger.

Bake-kujira: The Ghostly Whale

Bake-kujira is the ghostly skeleton of a whale that haunts the coastal waters of Japan. According to legend, seeing a bake-kujira is an omen of disaster, such as famine or plague. This creature reflects the deep connection between Japanese coastal communities and the sea, highlighting the fears and reverence for marine life.

The sighting of bake-kujira is said to be rare, and it is often accompanied by strange phenomena such as schools of fish behaving erratically or unseasonable weather. The myth of bake-kujira underscores the mystery of the ocean and the superstitions of fishing communities, where natural and supernatural events are closely intertwined. The sighting of bake-kujira is said to cause a variety of strange occurrences, such as the appearance of unknown fish species or the failure of fishing nets, further embedding this legend in the everyday lives of coastal dwellers.

Bake-kujira myths often include elements of environmental awareness, warning against the over-exploitation of marine resources and the consequences of disrespecting the ocean. These stories serve as cautionary tales, reminding communities of the delicate balance between human activity and the natural world. The bake-kujira’s eerie appearance, with its skeletal form and ghostly presence, evokes a sense of unease and respect for the mysteries of the sea, reinforcing the cultural significance of marine life in Japanese folklore.

List of Mythical Creatures from Japanese Mythology

Yokai (Supernatural Creatures)

1. Oni – Demons or ogres, often depicted with red or blue skin, horns, and a menacing appearance.
2. Tengu – Bird-like creatures or goblins, sometimes depicted with human and avian features.
3. Yuki-onna – The Snow Woman, a beautiful but deadly spirit associated with snowstorms.
4. Kappa – Water spirits with a dish of water on their heads, known for their mischievous and sometimes malevolent behavior.
5. Rokurokubi – Women who appear normal by day but at night can stretch their necks to great lengths.
6. Kitsune – Fox spirits, often seen as shape-shifters with both benevolent and malevolent traits.
7. Tanuki – Raccoon dog spirits known for their shape-shifting abilities and mischievous nature.
8. Noppera-bo – Faceless ghosts that scare humans by revealing their featureless faces.
9. Jorogumo – Spider women who can transform into beautiful women to lure and prey on humans.
10. Yurei – Ghosts or spirits of the dead, often depicted as white-robed and long-haired.
11. Yamanba – Mountain witches or hags known for their fearsome nature and magical powers.
12. Ningyo – Japanese mermaids or mermen, believed to bring misfortune if captured or eaten.
13. Nurarihyon – A slippery, mysterious creature that sneaks into houses and acts like the master of the home.
14. Tatarimokke – Owl spirits believed to be the reincarnation of dead children.
15. Bake-danuki – Raccoon dog spirits that are known for their shape-shifting and playful trickery.
16. Akaname – Filth lickers that inhabit dirty bathrooms and clean them with their long tongues.
17. Yurei – Ghosts of people who have died with strong feelings of anger, jealousy, or sorrow.
18. Ubume – The spirits of women who died in childbirth, often depicted carrying a child.
19. Buruburu – A spirit of fear that attaches itself to humans, causing them to shiver in terror.
20. Futakuchi-onna – Women with a second mouth on the back of their head, hidden under their hair.

Legendary Creatures

1. Ryujin – The Dragon God of the sea, ruler of an underwater kingdom.
2. Orochi – The eight-headed and eight-tailed serpent slain by Susanoo.
3. Bakeneko – Supernatural cats that can transform into humans and other forms.
4. Nekomata – Cats with forked tails that gain supernatural powers as they age.
5. Tsuchinoko – A mythical snake-like creature with a thick body and short tail.
6. Nue – A chimera-like creature with the head of a monkey, body of a raccoon dog, legs of a tiger, and a snake for a tail.
7. Jinmenju – Trees that bear flowers with human faces that laugh or cry.
8. Kirin – A mythical hooved creature, often compared to a unicorn, associated with good omens.
9. Bake-kujira – The ghostly skeleton of a whale that haunts coasts.
10. Ushi-oni – A demonic ox-headed creature often found near water.
11. Inugami – Dog spirits created through dark rituals, often serving as familiars or protectors.
12. Shirime – A peculiar spirit with an eye in the place of its anus, known for startling people.
13. Mokumokuren – Ghostly spirits that inhabit torn paper sliding screens, with numerous eyes appearing in the holes.
14. Ittan-momen – A ghostly roll of cotton that flies through the air at night and can smother people to death.
15. Kamaitachi – Weasel-like spirits that ride on the wind and cut people with sickle-like claws.
16. Aoandon – A spirit that appears when a hundred supernatural tales are told, depicted as a blue-skinned woman.
17. Gashadokuro – Giant skeletons that roam the countryside at night, seeking human prey.
18. Jikininki – Spirits of greedy, selfish individuals who eat human corpses.
19. Tesso – A swarm of iron-toothed rats commanded by a vengeful monk.
20. Azuki Arai – A yokai that washes azuki beans by the river and scares people with its eerie song.

Spirits and Apparitions

1. Zashiki-warashi – Childlike spirits that bring good fortune to a household.
2. Kodama – Spirits that inhabit trees and protect forests.
3. Teke Teke – A vengeful spirit of a woman who has been cut in half and drags herself along with her hands.
4. Hitodama – Floating, fiery spirits believed to be the souls of the dead.
5. Shirime – A ghostly apparition with an eye where its anus should be, known for startling samurai.
6. Yatagarasu – A mythical three-legged crow symbolizing divine intervention.
7. Mujina – Badger spirits known for their shape-shifting abilities, often appearing as humans.
8. Yurei – Restless spirits of the dead, often bound to the world by strong emotions or unfinished business.
9. Funayurei – Ghosts of those who died at sea, often trying to capsize boats and drown their passengers.
10. Onryo – Vengeful spirits who return to the physical world to exact revenge on those who wronged them.

Unique and Miscellaneous

1. Kawa-no-kami – River spirits that can be both benevolent and malevolent, depending on their treatment by humans.
2. Otoroshi – A shaggy-haired, monstrous creature that guards shrines and temples from evil.
3. Raiju – A creature made of lightning that takes the form of a cat, fox, weasel, or wolf.
4. Umi-bozu – Enormous sea spirits that appear as dark, humanoid figures rising from the ocean.
5. Yurei – Traditional Japanese ghosts, often depicted with long, disheveled hair and white burial kimonos.
6. Hyosube – Hairy, mischievous spirits that cause trouble in Japanese bathhouses.
7. Kawataro – Another name for kappa, emphasizing their role as river children.
8. Kurozuka – A cannibalistic demon-woman who lives in the mountains and devours travelers.
9. Nure-onna – A snake-woman who appears by rivers and often seeks to drown her victims.
10. Shirachigo – Small, child-like spirits that act as messengers for greater deities or spirits.

Japanese mythology is not just a collection of quaint tales but a window into the profound and often controversial aspects of the human psyche and societal norms. These mythical creatures challenge our understanding of morality, fear, and the supernatural. They force us to confront the uncomfortable truths about human nature and the unknown. From the terrifying oni to the protective zashiki-warashi, these legends provoke thought and stir the imagination, serving as a testament to Japan’s unique and enduring mythological heritage. In a world increasingly dominated by rationality and technology, the allure of these ancient myths remains a powerful reminder of our deep-seated need for mystery and wonder.

The continued relevance of these myths in modern Japan is evident in various cultural expressions, from festivals and rituals to literature and cinema. The popularity of manga and anime featuring yokai and other mythical beings showcases the dynamic interplay between ancient folklore and contemporary storytelling. For example, the works of manga artist Shigeru Mizuki, such as “GeGeGe no Kitaro,” have brought yokai into the modern imagination, blending traditional myth with modern themes. This blending of past and present ensures that these creatures will continue to captivate and inspire future generations, reminding us of the timeless human fascination with the supernatural and the mysterious.

The influence of these mythical creatures extends beyond Japan, contributing to a global appreciation of Japanese culture. International adaptations and interpretations of Japanese folklore in films, video games, and literature have introduced these creatures to a wider audience, fostering cross-cultural exchange and understanding. By exploring these myths, we gain insights not only into Japanese culture but also into the universal themes and archetypes that resonate with people across the world. The stories of oni, tengu, kitsune, and other beings continue to be relevant, offering valuable lessons and reflections on the human condition. Through this enduring legacy, Japanese mythology asserts its place as a vital and dynamic part of global cultural heritage.

Japanese mythology, far from being a relic of the past, remains a living tradition that shapes and is shaped by contemporary society. The enduring fascination with these mythical creatures speaks to their deep-rooted significance in the Japanese psyche, where they serve as both guardians of tradition and agents of change. As we delve deeper into these myths, we uncover layers of meaning that reflect the complexities of human nature and the world around us. These stories, while rooted in ancient beliefs, continue to evolve, offering new insights and perspectives that enrich our understanding of the human experience. In embracing the myths of Japan, we not only honor the past but also engage with the timeless quest for meaning and connection that defines our shared humanity.