Mamono Archives - Yokai Toons

Kaibyo, Mamono, Yokai

Kasha the Ultimate Corpse Thief

Today is Friday the thirteenth. A day of misfortune and tragedy. In a time when the pandemic Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) spreads rampant across the world. Similarly, today’s yokai, Kasha, infects Japanese people with fear and terror. It is the ultimate corpse thief. The demonic cat that robs funerals and bring the dead to hell.

Ancient oral tales, about hellish kasha, are passed down over many generations. Stories all across Japan tell of the feline yokai appearing suddenly with lightning and rain. And yet, it is engulfed by infernal flames. Pouncing from the sky, snatching up the sinful dead and returning to the nether side of hell.

Changing Forms

Interestingly enough, these stories does not really describe the kasha in great detail. Early Japan artists depict it as a great red oni pulling a fiery cart full of corpses. This illustration reminds me of wanyudo, aka the Soultaker, also an infernal being that terrorises the residents of Kyoto.

But more commonly, kasha is identified as a hellish yokai with cat-like features. A supernatural kaibyo who carries a rotting corpse across the roof tops. This is striking similar to nekomata, a ferocious feline yokai that have an affinity to the dying and the dead. In fact, some experts believe kasha is an evolved form of nekomata.

Also the Graverobber

When dark ominous clouds appear during a funeral procession, a kasha is bound to strike at the corpse of the wicked man. Together with fearsome winds, the great feline pounces at the coffin. Then it drags out the sinful dead and steals it away. Some tales, describe the kasha desecrating the corpse by tearing it into many pieces. Then it scatters the limbs all over the region, among tall trees, jagged rocks and cliff edges.

Alternatively, there are eye-witness accounts of the feline yokai digging into the grave of the sinful. It abducts the dead body and crushes the skull and bones without mercy. As such some graverobber activities are attributed to the kasha, especially those with missing corpses.

Rituals and Protection

Nonetheless, the dead can be protected from these infernal creatures. A venerable monk could say a holy prayer or sign his protective seal on the coffin. Additionally, at desperate times, he can throw his onenju (念珠) at the coffin providing an extra barrier against the kasha.

If there are no monks or rosaries nearby, just run away flinging your hands around animatedly. So that, the kasha do not mistake you for the dead corpse. Better the dead wicked man than you.

Yokai Details

name: kasha ( kah-sha )
kanji: 火車 ( かしゃ )
meaning: fire cart
abilities:
1. pyrokinesis — generate extreme heat and produce fire
2. weather control — incite dark storms and strong wind
3. flight — ability to fly (via weather control)

Josei, Mamono, Yokai

Jorogumo the Clingy Girlfriend from Hell

Do you remember that girlfriend who wants to go wherever you go? Or one who wants to do all the things you are doing? Or maybe, you have met the clingy girl who binds herself to her partner’s hand and shoulder. Well, none of these girls can compare to today’s yokai, Jorogumo. This female arachnid from hell will have you for dinner (as in, you are dinner).

Notably, there are many different arachnid yokai such as the Ushi-oni & Tsuhigumo. But, none of them are as prevalent in game & pop culture as Jorogumo. Stories about these shape-shifting female yokai have been passed down orally in ancient Japanese folklore for centuries. In fact some are written about in Edo perido writings, such as Taihei-Hyaku Monogatari (太平百物語) and Tonoigusa (宿直草).

Toriyama Sekien’s Depiction

Interestingly, in Toriyama Sekien‘s Gazu Hyakki Yagyō, in the entry about Jorogumo (絡新婦) the name is written as “entangling bride”. On the other hand, the content page has the common characters (女郎ぐも) which roughly reads as “whore spider”. Experts say that this is a play of words of kanji pronunciation known as jukujikun (熟字訓). Personally, I believe that the difference alludes to the yokai’s ability to shape shift from spider to woman and somewhere in between.

As seen in the entry of Jorogumo, the yokai is drawn as a humanoid arachnid dressed in a kimono of spiderwebs. She is depicted standing on a sakura tree casting lines of spider silk into the wind. At the end of each web-line is a spiderling that is, seemingly, breathing out vapours of fire or venom.

Legends & Folklore

The Japanese folklore about Jorogumo shows that she usually live at or near waterfalls. The yokai would prey on the creatures that stop by the waterfall basin to drink or simply rest by it. Once her prey’s defenses are down, Jorogumo would cast her web and pull her victim into the falls. In fact, her spider silk is strong enough to pull a resisting wild boar into her lair easily.

However, there are also stories of Jorogumo seducing young men to their death in the falls. Firstly, the spider yokai will transform into an attractive woman dressed in seductive kimono within view of the victim. Next, she secretes sensual pheromones and draws out the lecherous desires of men. When the horny young man is within range, she casts her sticky spider thread. Once bound, Jorogumo easily draws her recently caught meal into the waterfall to dine on later (or even, feed her baby spiderlings).

Modern Accounts

Recently, there are hardly any new stories on or about Jorogumo. Most contemporary accounts are fictional depictions seen in manga, anime and games such as Nioh and Yo-kai Watch. Many speculate that the number of Jorogumo has drastically reduce due to modernisation and deforestation. As such, the number of waterfall-related deaths has also dropped.

However, some experts believe that there are caches of Jorogumo egg sacs hidden behind large waterfalls. All of them waiting for the opportune time to hatch and infest the world.

Nonetheless, be careful when you decide to swim in the rivers and water basin this summer. If you meet a beautiful lady in sexy bikini with spider prints by the waterfall remember the Jorogumo. She will be the clingy girlfriend from hell. You have been warned!

Yokai Details

name: jorōgumo ( joh-row-goo-moh )
kanji: 絡新婦 ( じょろうぐも )
meaning: entangling bride
abilities:
1. web producer — generate spider silk for hunting & mating
2. metamorph — able to shape-shift from spider to woman, partially or wholly
3. pheromone manipulation — secretes pheromones to induce attraction and pleasure

Kaiju, Mamono, Yokai

Ushi-oni Terrorizes the Country Folk

In Western Japan, there are many tales and fables about bovine-headed yokai. It is a ferocious creature that has typical features of an oni such as large horns, long fangs and slithering tongues. Infamously known as ushi-oni, the daemonic creature rampages through villages during the pre-Edo period. It terrorizes the country folk, attacks feudal lords and destroy their livelihood. None are safe from their savage tantrums.

Across the lands of Western Japan, mythical stories of ushi-oni are quite common but their shape and form varies. Conventionally, they are described as a monstrous oni with a bull for a head. But various regional narratives will describe the brutish body differently. Some describe ushi-oni as having a giant crab body. Others indicate that the beast terrorizes the villagers by flying around with insect wings. Nonetheless, the most common imagery of the ushi-oni is that of a black, gargantuan six-legged monster with the head of a fearsome bull.

In fact, the latter description of ushi-oni are those that roam the mountainous forests of Japan. These infernal mamono live deep in the mountain caves that have been long forgotten. Legend says that these creatures are eternal guardians to a powerful magical artifact. A power that is too great for any single man. Any adventurers foolish enough to try and acquire the sacred object, have to contend with the soul-stealing gaze of the daemonic beast.

Conclusion

Fortunately, ushi-oni are very few in number and their caves are well hidden. They do not require much to eat and usually stay within the range of their guard. You are more likely to randomly encounter a wild tanuki than deliberately try to find an ushi-oni. Nonetheless, while hiking through the forest, do remember to stick to the beaten path. And wear a bell to show that you are not sneaking around.

Yokai Details

name: ushi-oni (oo-she-oh-nee)
kanji: 牛鬼 (うしおに)
meaning: cow demon
aka: gyuki (ぎゅうき)
abilities:
1. enhanced jump — able to jump extreme distances
2. energy drain — the ability to sap your stamina away
3. soul steal — consumes a person’s soul with eye contact

Kaiju, Mamono, Yokai

Dreadful Wrath of Otoroshi

Dreadful Otoroshi (おとろし) sits on torii gate

When visiting the temple complexes of Japan, you are always reminded to be respectful of others and to others. Its not just about having the proper etiquette but also being in the right frame of mind. But none will tell you the consequences about being impudent. Any insolent behaviour and you will face the dreadful wrath of otoroshi.

Unlike the obvious Niō guardians (仁王) that massively stand by the entrances of Buddhist temples, otoroshi are the invisible gatekeepers of all sacred lands. They are masters of camouflage, hiding in plain sight. Furthermore, these hideous yokai dwell in elevated habitats, always ready to hook up the wicked who nears these hallowed grounds. For example, Otoroshi have been seen perched on temple roofs and ancient holy trees. But they are most commonly found on top of torii gates.

Many Edo-period paintings portray otoroshi as a blue, wide-mouthed creature covered in mangy hair. Its large fangs and unblinking eyes are reminiscent of Rangda, the demon Queen of Balinese mythology. otoroshi typical use their prehensile hair to catch their diet of wild animals, such as birds and lizards. But these scary creatures prefer to pounce on the wicked and devour on the victim’s foul heart.

Conclusion

Interestingly, some researchers propose that otoroshi and waira are counterparts to each other, both protecting the holy grounds. The former attacks from above, while the latter strikes from below. Strangely enough, these two yokai have never been reported seen together, at the same sacred sites. Nonetheless, always be reverent and respectful when visiting the temple grounds, especially in Japan.

Yokai Details

name: otoroshi (oh-toh-roh-she)
hiragana: おとろし
meaning: corruption of osoroshii (恐ろしい) which means dreadful or scary
aka:
- otoron ( おとろん )
- odoro odoro ( おどろおどろ )
- keippai ( 毛一杯 )
abilities:
1. enhanced jump — able to jump extreme distances
2. hair manipulation — the ability to control and use her hair as extra limbs

Mamono, Onryō, Yokai

Wanyudo Burns Across the Fiery Sunset

One of the most feared yokai in Japanese history, if not the most, is the blazing wanyudo. Also known as Firewheel or Soultaker (魂狩), he is the infernal guardian that patrols the fiendish pathway to the Gates of Hell. On a fiery crimson sunset, the filament between Here and There thins just enough for the wanyudo to burn through. Then he will fiercely whirl his oxcart wheel, jumping from rooftop to rooftop, terrorizing the city and leaving a trail of soulless bodies along its path.

Origin

It is commonly believed that wanyudo is the reincarnated condemned soul of an tyrant Daimyo. And this unnamed feudal lord of ancient Kyoto was notorious for abusing and torturing his rivals. He would parade his semi-conscious victims around by dragging them behind his grand oxcart.

Eventually, on the Daimyo’s last torture towing tours, he was assassinated and beheaded by a ninja. The lord’s tormented face reeled across the town square and continued to roll into the fiery depths of hell. As divine punishment, he was cursed to become Wanyudo and terrorize the skies of Kyoto for decades after.

Yokai Terrorist

Based on its most prominent origin story (above), wanyudo can be considered a type of onryo, even though it is not a yurei. This categorization can be further reasoned by its malicious actions such as running over its victims and/or rending the limbs off said person. The only way to protect yourself from the rampaging wanyudo is to avoid its terrorizing path and wicked gaze.

For instance, there is an ancient story from Kyoto tells of a woman who peeked at wanyudo as it rolled through town. “Instead of me, you should have looked at your child!” it screamed. The woman turned only to see a limbless infant in a pool of blood. When she looked out again, wanyudo was already whirling away, munching on her baby’s legs.

Even in this modern age, there are still many who believe and fear in the wanyudo. No wards can protect you from his terrors. No charm can save you from his dread. All you can do is stay indoors, hide and pray that he does not catch a glimpse of your soul.

Yokai Details

name: wanyudo (wah-ni-you-doh)
kanji: 輪入道 (わにゅうどう)
meaning: wheel monk
aka:
- firewheel ( 火輪 )
- soultaker ( 魂狩 )
abilities:
1. pyrokinesis — generate extreme heat and produce fire
2. pyrexia — give an individual severe fever
3. flight — ability to fly
4. soul steal — remove the life essence of any individual

Mamono, Oni, Yokai

Evil Desires Of The Wicked Heart

Sometimes we have feelings of dislike towards a close friend or envy for a co-worker’s fortune. Sometimes our bad thoughts intensify to monstrous proportions. If you do have these feelings, breathe, calm down and look around. You may just see the evil yokai that is provoking the dark desires of your wicked heart.

Amanojaku (or sometimes Amanjaku), is a vile yokai that has been around before the arrival of Buddhism in Japan. Many scholars have suggested that this deity originates from a Shinto deity known as Amanosagume (天探女). But there are little similarities between the two.

A small oni-boy is, usually, how amanojaku is described. This half-naked yokai is red-skinned and has typical oni features such as horns and fangs. The crude creatures are dressed minimally with animal skins or just loincloth.

Tale of Urikohime

The yokai, Amanojaku, is also recognized from “The Tale of Urikohime” where it feasted on a kawaii bride-to-be, named Urikohime, who was left alone at home. Amanojaku even pretended to be the girl when her parents returned home by wearing her flayed skin. But eventually the creature’s masquerade was revealed by a crow. The whole village chased it down and beat it to a pulp.

Recent urban legend states that, you can summon amanojaku to do your evil deeds. To call forth the yokai to do your bidding, need to stand in front of a mirror at the stroke of midnight and call out Urikohime. Even if you don’t see amanojaku in your reflection, you can still request for your wicked acts to be fulfilled.

Having a vile wicked thought? Why not try to summon the yokai amanojaku. You may just get the revenge you wanted. If not, you can just beat the creature to a pulp. ;p

Yokai Details

name: amanojaku (ah-mah-noh-jah-koo)
kanji: 天邪鬼 (あまのじゃく)
meaning: vengeful spirit of the heavens
abilities
1. vile pollution — brings forth and intensifies the evil in a person’s heart abilities
2. skin-walker — disguise itself by wearing the flayed skin of another

Mamono, Yokai

One-eyed Pig Stole A Salaryman’s Soul

Last I travelled around Kagoshima (鹿児島市), an gentle old lady shared a tale of how a young man who lost his soul. Apparently, a salaryman got his first pay and partied all night. As he was wandering home alone, drunk and all, he was met with a demon pig near Nagata River. Suddenly, the black fiend charged towards the salaryman. As it ran through his legs, the young man’s soul was taken. That’s how the story goes.

Katakirauwa is a dangerous and malicious yokai that can drain a person’s life force and, even, his soul. It takes the form of a single-eyed and one-eared adult swine but the yokai is sometimes in a young piglet form. Katakirauwa has been seen with different coat colours where the most common is described as dark black as the moonless night. Often a strong coal tar smell accompanies the pig yokai.

The demonic swine is very aggressive towards humans, especially individuals who is caught all alone. It attacks by charging towards your legs. If you instinctively widen your legs and let katakirauwa run between them, then you soul will be instantly drain via your genitals.

Katakirauwa has been observed day and night, through all the seasons and both in the country side and city. If, by happenstance, you see a pig in the middle of a path and you cannot discern its features, one tell-tale sign is that the yokai does not cast any shadow on the ground. My best recommendation is to cross your leg, run away from the katakirauwa and cover your private parts.

Yokai Details

name: katakirauwa (kah-tah-kee-rah-oo-wah)
kanji: 片耳豚 (かたきらうわ)
meaning: one-eared pig
abilities:
1. life drain — ability to absorb a human soul within range
2. hyper speed — able to move at very high speed
3. hyper senses — possess acute sense of smell and hearing

Mamono, Yokai

Warty Creature Seen Gobbling Down Forest Moles

In my travels. I’ve come across some mysterious creatures that people have not heard of or encountered before. These obscure creatures are usually of local lore and, unexpectedly, not known beyond its regional borders. The reclusive yokai that I am going to share though, is mention by the illustrious Toriyama Sekien (鳥山石燕) and yet there are very little literature about it. Today’s obscure yokai is the Waira.

It is depicted as a cow-like creature that creeps around the forest floor, using its single-clawed limbs. An old man claims that to have encountered the hideous Waira when he was much younger. The yokai was feasting on some forest moles by a hidden pond. He describes it as mossy green with lumpy warts.

There are chroniclers of ancient tales that documented the male waira is mottled earthly brown while the female gender is dark red in colour. These records of sexual dimorphism in waira cannot be verified because, as we know, in nature, the male gender usually has a flashier plumage and/or hue.

Earthly Protectors

Some stories suggest that waira are virtue guardians of the mountain temples. They crawl on their bellies keeping an eye out for the wicked hearted. Their thick sharpened claws ready to slice the vile and maintain the purity of the temple grounds.

Truth be told, none of the accounts above, and its origins, can be verified. The only thing we can be certain is that Toriyama Sekien has included the waira in his Gazu Hyakki Yagyō which means that it exists. Any legends or stories related to the waira is now as obscure as the yokai itself.

Yokai Details

name: waira (wah-ee-rah)
kanji: わいら
meaning: deformation of the word meaning fear
abilities:
1. fear projection — cause fear and/or terror on an individual