Yokai & folklore
Japanese mythical creatures
Yokai, spirits & kami
An encyclopedia of yōkai and supernatural beings from Japanese folklore — browse by letter, category, or season.
295 illustrated stories
295 creatures
Popular yokai
Creatures readers explore most often.
Kyūbi-no-kitsune
九尾の狐
A legendary nine-tailed fox with immense magical power, associated with both divine protection and dangerous seduction.
Jibakurei
地縛霊
A spirit bound to a specific location, often appearing where they died in trauma or with unfinished business.
Yatagarasu
八咫烏
A three-legged crow sent by the sun goddess Amaterasu to guide the first emperor of Japan. It symbolizes divine guidance and is a national symbol of Japan.
Shinigami
死神
Shinigami are death spirits in Japanese folklore. Often likened to the Grim Reaper, they lead humans toward death or appear at the moment of passing.
Raijū
雷獣
A beast made of lightning that falls from the sky during storms and sometimes curls up in sleeping people's bellies.
Kyūketsuki
吸血鬼
The Japanese vampire, inspired by Western legends, known for drinking blood and blending superstition with modern horror.
Ōmukade
大百足
A colossal, venomous centipede known for battling dragons and threatening mountain paths and lakes.
Byakko
白虎
One of the Four Symbols of Chinese and Japanese mythology, Byakko is the White Tiger of the West, representing metal, autumn, and protection.
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Oni, tengu, kitsune, yūrei, tsukumogami, and more.
Seasonal yokai
Spirits tied to spring, summer, autumn, and winter folklore.