Urban

Legends

Legends & Kwaidans

Yōkai

& Kami

History

SUBCATEGORY

Tanuki Swinging His Coin Pouch – How Did Japanese Woodblock Artists See This Rascal?

Just when we thought nothing in Japanese folklore could surprise us anymore… Tanuki is a creature that holds a place in Japanese culture as honorable as it is… incomprehensible to

Shōjō – the yōkai who drank with style but knew nothing of tomorrow

A yōkai who brewed perfect sake On one of those intoxicated nights, when the moon reflects on the surface of sake in a small ochoko cup, and the sound of

Goddess Uzume dances naked and, with her sacred antics, saves us from sorrowful seriousness – Japanese mythology, how timely today

「もっと踊ってよ、アメノウズメさん腕ふり回し、汗かき散らし、首しならせて、踊って、踊って、もっと、もっと」 "Dance for us again, Ame no Uzume Swing your arms, shake off the sweat Tilt your head toward the heavens And dance, dance, again, again" —

Japanese spirits took him in – the wandering of Lafcadio Hearn, author of Kwaidan

“Japanese emotions do not express themselves in words; they rarely reveal themselves even in tone of voice – they manifest above all in acts of exquisite courtesy and kindness.” —

The Mountain Witch Yamanba – Feminine Wildness That Terrified the Patriarchal Men of Traditional Japan

A Shadow in the Mountain Forests The mountains of Japan conceal shadows that belong neither to day nor to night. Shadows of women who left their homes and never returned.

The Forgotten Torii Gate in the Concrete Underground – Amagamine Ochobo Inari

忘れ鳥居祈りの紙を水が舐める Forgotten torii – a prayer slip licked by water. - contemporary haiku, unknown author First comes the chill. The concrete walls are damp, and the air is thick with

Yōkai & Kami

History and Folklore

Each era (jidai), each tale, each legend is like a thread weaving the intricate fabric of national identity — from the pride of the samurai to stories whispered by the fire about mischievous yōkai and chilling yūrei. In Japanese storytelling, fear and wonder walk hand in hand, creating a mosaic where the worlds of kami and humans meet, where heroic deeds and tragic missteps, distant castles and urban alleys filled with ghosts of the past and living legends intertwine.

As we journey through Japanese history and folklore, we uncover not only past events, but also timeless questions about life, death, and humanity’s place in the universe. The extraordinarily rich history of the Japanese people, along with their vividly colorful mythology, offers an endless source of inspiration for both life and creativity.

Shadows of the Past: Thousands of Years of a Nation’s Turbulent History and Unbridled Mythic Imagination

妖怪と神

Check >>

"Strong Japanese Women"

see book by the author

of the page

未開ソビエライ

An enthusiast of Asian culture with a deep appreciation for the diverse philosophies of the world. By education, a psychologist and philologist specializing in Korean studies. At heart, a programmer (primarily for Android) and a passionate technology enthusiast, as well as a practitioner of Zen and mono no aware. In moments of tranquility, adheres to a disciplined lifestyle, firmly believing that perseverance, continuous personal growth, and dedication to one's passions are the wisest paths in life. Author of the book "Strong Women of Japan" (>>see more)

Personal motto:

"The most powerful force in the universe is compound interest." - Albert Einstein (probably)

Mike Soray

(aka Michał Sobieraj)

Write us...

Read about us...

Ciechanów, Polska

dr.imyon@gmail.com

___________________

inari.smart

Would you like to share your thoughts or feedback about our website or app? Leave us a message, and we’ll get back to you quickly. We value your perspective!

Your e-mail:
Your message: