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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

Oni, Yokai

Shuten-doji and His Dreaded Gang of Oni

Northwest of Kyoto, there is a mountain called Mount Ōe (大江山) that holds an oni lair. An ancient lair that was owned by the notorious oni king called Shuten-dōji. Without a doubt, he is one of the three most feared yokai of ancient Kansai region, including Tamamo-no-Mae (玉藻前) and Ōtakemaru (大嶽丸). Shuten-dōji is the original oyabun that terrorized the people of Kyoto with his dreaded gang of oni.

As it was written in the narrative Ōeyama Ekotoba (大江山絵詞), Shuten-dōji continually raided the northern region of Kyoto. Incessantly, the oni king and his gang looted and plundered the province in a drunken fury. Moreover, Shuten-dōji kidnapped young women and forced them to serve as his private maidservants. Those who refused were eaten and their blood were drunk with sake.

Over the years, Shuten-dōji‘s notoriety attracted hundreds of oni from across Japan. Moreover, his top lieutenants were fearfully called the “Four Divine Kings”. Their names were Hoshikuma-dōji, Kuma-dōji, Torakuma-dōji, and Kane-dōji. Furthermore, Shuten-dōji has a favourite underling, Ibaraki-dōji. who was menacing in his own right. Because of the immense power and influence of Shuten-dōji, he threatens the reigning Emperor of Japan.

Ibukiyama Version

Alternatively, in the Mt. Ibuki (伊吹山) legend, Shuten-dōji was born to the great serpent Yamata no Orochi (八岐大蛇). Although he went through monk training at Mt. Hiei, Shuten-dōji continued to drink heavily. Consequently, he got intoxicated during a religious festival. Moreover, he played a prank on his fellow acolytes by wearing an oni mask to frighten them. Consequently, at the end of the night, the mask has melded to Shuten-dōji‘s face.

Because he was unable to remove the oni mask, Shuten-dōji fled to forests of Mt. Ibuki. Initially regretful, he turned wicked. As such, he began his life as a true oni. Shuten-dōji terrorized the people of Kyoto and formed a gang of oni. Afterwards, he built his fortress high up in the mountains. Interestingly, in this Ibukiyama version, Shuten-dōji‘s honji (本地), “true nature”, was identified to be Dairokuten no Maō (第六天の魔王) the evil king of the Sixth Heaven, the archenemy of Buddha.

Downfall of the Oni King

Finally, Emperor Ichijō commanded his mightiest samurai to subdue the oni king Shuten-dōji. Immediately, the supernatural warriors travelled to Mt. Ibuki disguised as yamabushi priests. After discovering the hideout, they requested an audience with Shuten-dōji. As such, the oni king had a grand reception for his guests. Covertly, the disguised warriors offered Shuten-dōji with an enchanted sake. Eventually, after countless drinks later, the notorious oni fell asleep. At this moment, the inhuman samurai, Minamoto no Raikō, chopped off Shuten-dōji‘s head with Dōjigiri (童子切), the legendary sword.

Yokai Details

name: shuten-doji (sho-ten-doe-jee)
kanji: 酒呑童子 ( しゅてんどうじ )
alternative spelling: 酒顛童子, 酒天童子, 朱点童子
meaning: sake drinking child
abilities:
1. supernatural strength — massive power cut a person in half
2. inhuman stamina — fight non-stop for days without tiring
3. muscle armour — use incredible dense muscle as protection
4. oni transformation — transform into a 50ft tall oni with a head of 5 horns and 15 eyes

Tengu, Yokai

Kotengu the Hoarder of Forgotten Artifacts

Tengu is an iconic creature in Japanese culture and religion. These yokai come in various shape and form. Some are daemonic creatures that wreck havoc and destroy villages. Some are powerful guardians of the great mountains and vast forests. The yokai of the day is kotengu a lesser type of tengu . These avian creatures are the ultimate hoarder of forgotten and magical artifacts.

Unlike the other tengu cousins, kotengu resemble more like a large bird than humanoid. They have a beak instead of mouth and nose and crow talons instead of feet. Even though kotengu are wild-like yokai, they are often seen in yamabushi attire. These mountain ascetic hermits, probably, presented the monk clothes to the yokai themselves.

Hoarders of the Forest

Kotengu fly around the forest mountains looking for abandoned shiny objects. These avian yokai are voracious hoarders, always looking for shiny items. They will snatch it from the living or the dead. As such, yokai folklorists believe that they have have large stashes of valuable and forgotten artifacts in their roosts. These covetous kotengu will never trade their loot with anyone.

Nonetheless, there are many stories of smart men who have successfully tricked the kotengu into trading magical artifacts for useless trinkets. Conversely, there are much more accounts of failures. Kotengu‘s punishments include hog-tying the deceiver up the highest tree in the forest. A position where all can hear his scream but none are able to help him. Another known account tells kotengu forcing the cheaters to eat their own excrement until they go insane.

Endangered Species

However, the number of kotengu sightings have decreased dramatically over the decades. Nobody really know why that is so. Some folklorists, speculate that the kotengu migrated deeper into the forests because of global warming. Some believe that the kotengu has been hunted down by the more divine tengu that protects the mountains. Nonetheless, stay safe when travelling in the mountainous forests. Avoid any suspicious avian monks. Unless, of course, you want the artifact that monk is holding on to.

Yokai Details

name: kotengu (koh-ten-goo)
kanji: 小天狗 ( こてんぐ )
meaning: lesser tengu
abilities:
1. flight — use wings to fly in high speed
2. keen sense — able to sense valuable objects within range

Tsukumogami, Yokai

Waniguchi Feeds on Prayers of the Devout

When you visit a Japanese Buddhist temple, you will notice the large circular bell found at front eaves. After your prayers, you ring the open-lipped bell which are colloquially known as waniguchi. But unbeknownst to many, that sacred instrument can evolve into a yokai of the same name. A crocodilian-like creature that feeds on the prayers of the devout.

Waniguchi is one of the rarest yokai and there are very little information about this tsukumogami. Why? Because prayer instruments are very rarely abandoned. In fact, they are always devoutly and respectfully removed. Nonetheless, in centuries past, temples and shrines were abandoned due to war and plagues. Consequently, the dilapidated bell falls to the ground and rusts away. Eventually, it transforms into a waniguchi and scuttles around the deserted temple compound.

Furthermore, it is important to remember that waniguchi, as a prayer bell, has listened to all the prayers of the devout. As such, it desperately yearns to hear these devout prayers. As a tsukumogami, waniguchi feeds on these emotional pleas for sustenance.

Conclusion

Interestingly, most Edo-period illustrations depicts waniguchi as a four-legged creature with blue-green scaly skins. The yokai retains the prayer bell as a head with a crocodilian smile. But truth be told, nobody really knows. So if you hear a prayer bell ring after your prayers at home, try to sneak a peek and see if the Edo illustrators are right.

Yokai Details

name: waniguchi (wah-nee-goo-chee)
kanji: 鰐口 ( わにぐち )
meaning: literally crocodile mouth
abilities:
1. sonic wave — generate powerful pressured sound attack
2. sonar detection — use sound to identify the wicked hearted

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

Josei, Warai-onago, Yokai

Nure-onago Preys on Gullible Young Men

Have you noticed puddles along roads forming but it has not rain for days? Or come across a pool of water while hiking in the woods but there is no river in sight? These are evidence of the female yokai locally known as nure-onago. She preys on gullible young men by enchanting them with her bewitching smile.

The lore of nure-onago has been heard and shared, predominantly, across the region of Shikoku and Kyushu. And the origin is most likely from the Ehime Prefecture (愛媛県). In olden days, nure-onago encounters vary quite a bit, depending on the story teller. Some recount the tales of her coming out of the sea, while others recite a young lady standing by the quiet path after a rainy night. There are even accounts of a strange maiden in the middle of an overgrown swamp, seemingly waiting for someone.

Description & Behaviour

But in all the stories, the depictions and interactions of nure-onago is eerily similar. She is described as a young woman who is drenched wet from head to toe. As she stares at her feet, her tousled long hair continuously drip with mysterious water. All this while, the shy maiden unsuccessfully protects her dignity as her bosom peaked through the soaking wet kimono.

The unwitting hero advances towards the damsel in distress. As the young man approaches, nure-onago slowly raise her head and presents her saviour with a bewitching smile. When her prey returns the smile, the trap springs. Nure-onago‘s enchantment paralyzes her victim in catatonic state. Slowly, but surely, she encase her new boyfriend-victim in a watery prison. Eventually they disappear into the dark waters, never to be seen again.

Genesis

Many believe that nure-onago arise from the accumulation of sadness and loss of the drowned victims in torrential rain, floods and/or tsunami. During the rainy seasons, the grievances and unrequited loss are amplified. Consequently, the number of accounts recorded are greater during the monsoon seasons.

Interestingly, nure-onago has strikingly similar behaviour to hari-onago and ohaguro nettari. These female yokai bewitch their victims with their smiles and their victims are young, virile men. Collectively they are known as warai-onago, literally meaning “the smiling girls”.

Modern Accounts

In recent years, nure-onago accounts have slightly in their appearances. Of late, tales of missing young men after a rainy night are coupled with sightings of a drenching wet young woman in a local high school uniform. nure-onago seemed to have evolved in order to maintain her diet of young men. Some recent accounts include cars and trucks found empty after a rainy night while the engines continue to run. Many speculate that these are also the works of nure-onago.

So, while you are driving home from school or work and you do happen to see a drenched school girl, best to ignore and continue on home. But if you really have to be a hero about it, don’t smile back. Just be grumpy about your rescue. It might just save your life.

Yokai Details

name: nure-onago (noo-reh-oh-nah-goh)
kanji: 濡女子 ( ぬれおなご )
meaning: wet girls
alternative spelling:
- nure-onago (濡れ女子)
abilities:
1. hydrokinesis — generate significant amount of water
2. mental paralysis — immobilize a person with a smile
3. water prison — create a water bubble to capture a person

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