Introduction
Yokai are creatures that appear in Japanese folklore. They can be good or evil, but they're mostly mischievous and like to play pranks on humans.
Yokai are said to have been created from the emotions of people who died without being able to express themselves fully during their lifetime.
They also come from objects that have become imbued with an energy that gives them life (like trees).
There are many different types of Yokai: some look like animals; others resemble plants; still others don't resemble anything we know on Earth today!
What are the types of Yokai ?
There are many types of yokai. The most common ones are tsukumogami, bakemono, oni and yurei.
Tsukumogami
These are objects that come to life after 100 years. They tend to be helpful but can also be mischievous at times!
They often resemble household items like umbrellas or fans and have a variety of personalities depending on their shape and size!
Tsukumogami are Japanese household objects that have gained sentience and become yokai.
They're usually associated with the old, the forgotten, or the discarded--things that people don't want anymore but still have some use left in them.
The word tsukumogami literally means "a thing (tsukumo) that has been used for 100 years" and refers to things like furniture, clothing and other household items that have reached their 100th birthday before they gain this supernatural ability to move on their own will.
They tend to be quite harmless unless provoked by humans who wish harm upon them or their owners; however, there are stories of tsukumogami attacking those who try stealing from their masters' homes!
Bakemono
Bakemono is a Japanese word that refers to supernatural creatures, or spirits.
They are often depicted as having animal heads and human bodies, though they can also be found in other forms.
Bakemonos have been around since ancient times and continue to appear in art, literature and folklore today.
The term bakemono can refer specifically to one type of spirit: those who were once human but became monsters after death because of some crime or sin committed during their lifetime. These spirits are called yokai (youkai).
These creatures live in forests or caves and prey upon humans who wander too far into their territory without proper protection (like a lantern).
They take on many forms but usually appear as some sort of animal such as a fox or bear--and they're not afraid to use their sharp claws against anyone who gets too close!
Oni
Oni are demons or ogres in Japanese folklore. They are often depicted as hideous and gigantic creatures with sharp claws, wild hair, and two long horns growing from their heads.
The word oni can be translated as "ogre" or "demon"; however, it also refers to any number of specific creatures within the broader category of yokai (mysterious beings).
It is sometimes used interchangeably with another kaidan (ghost story) character named tengu, who has more birdlike features than those seen in traditional depictions of oni.
Oni are said to have originated from Japan's indigenous Shinto religion; however, they have been incorporated into Buddhist lore over time as well.
The most famous tale involving these creatures comes from The Tale of Genji by Murasaki Shikibu (c1008), which tells how Prince Genji falls in love with a beautiful woman named Lady Rokujo who turns out not only be an onna-bugeisha warrior but also an oni princess!
These demons live deep within mountains where few humans dare venture; however there have been sightings reported throughout history so you should definitely watch out if you're hiking through one alone at night because chances are good that something bad might happen…
Yokai in Popular Japan Culture
Yokai have been a part of Japanese culture for centuries, and they've even made their way into popular culture. There are several examples of this phenomenon:
Anime and manga
- Video games
- Movies and TV
- Yokai and Shintoism
Yokai are closely related to Shintoism, the indigenous religion of Japan. In fact, many yokai are considered messengers of the gods and spirits that inhabit the land.
Yokai generally have supernatural powers and are often depicted as being mischievous or evil.
They can be good or bad; however, they do not have any moral code because they are not human beings!
Yokai in Japanese Folklore
Yokai can be found in many different forms of Japanese folklore, including legends and stories.
A legend is a story about something that happened in the past; it's often told as if it were factual, but there may be some exaggeration or embellishment involved.
For example, if someone tells you about how their grandfather was once bitten by an enormous snake while walking through the woods one day and lived to tell about it later that evening when he got home from work--that would be considered a legend!
Another kind of folklore related to yokai is mythological tales which often involve gods or goddesses (shinigami).
These types of stories tend not only include supernatural beings but also explain why things happen in nature like earthquakes or volcanoes erupting without warning!
Conclusion
The Yokai are a part of Japanese culture that has been present for centuries. They have been used as inspiration for many stories, movies and games.
The significance of the Yokai in Japanese culture cannot be understated as they have shaped how people view the world around them.