Cat Youkai

As darkness envelops Japan and the silvery eye of the moon casts its glow upon trees and rooftops, the sinister youkai of the night awaken. Slipping unnoticed among the shadows, woven from mystery and darkness, they quietly traverse the darkness – these are the bakeneko, the cat spirits of Japanese folklore. Deceptive, filled with treacherous grace, and imbued with dark power. Do we have the courage to look deep into those glowing cat eyes in the dark and uncover their secrets?

 

Their story, reaching into the depths of the darkest tales of Japanese youkai demons, stretches along the entire history of the Land of the Cherry Blossom. From ancient legends, where their dark figures flit through pages written in ancient ink, to modern works of pop culture, where they come to life in the colorful frames of anime, bakeneko always find a way to outsmart, surprise, and scare. So, let us embark on a journey through the winding paths of Japanese mythology, where the ominous eyes of the bakeneko menacingly gaze at the curious in the dark.

 

 

 

What does the name of this cat spirit mean?

Bakeneko (化け猫) consists of two kanji: 化 (bake) and 猫 (neko). The kanji 化 (bake) means "to change", "to transform", or "to metamorphose", referring to these creatures' ability to change shape. The second kanji, 猫 (neko), simply means "cat". Together, they form the concept of a "changing cat", directly referring to the supernatural abilities of the bakeneko to transform, especially into human form. This is one of its main features highlighted in traditional stories, where bakeneko often disguise themselves as a specific person, bringing disasters upon people.

 

 

 

Who is the shapeshifting cat Bakeneko?

Bakeneko are mysterious beings that at first glance may look like ordinary cats. However, they possess several extraordinary traits that set them apart from their earthly kin. Bakeneko have the ability to change size, they can be several times larger than a regular cat, and sometimes even reach human size. Above all, they possess the power of metamorphosis – they can change into any other animal, particularly into a human. It is also said that their long tail gives them this unique power.

 

Bakeneko are often portrayed as cunning and sly, and their behavior ranges between playfulness and malice. They are known for their ability to speak in a human voice, which they use to deceive and mislead people. They can manipulate objects, and even create fireballs or use their tail as a torch.

 

 

 

The History of Bakeneko

The legends of bakeneko reach back into the distant history of Japan, intertwined with beliefs about cats and their mysterious powers in ancient tales and legends. These beliefs evolved over time, and with them, the perceptions of cats, which transformed from helpful spirits guarding households from evil forces to dark entities capable of magic and metamorphosis. During the Edo period, with the rise in the cat population and their visible presence in daily life, fascination with their mysterious traits also grew, contributing to the development and evolution of legends about bakeneko.

 

In Japanese culture, bakeneko occupy a unique place as beings that balance on the edge of reality and fantasy. They symbolize unpredictability and ambiguity of nature, being both an object of fear and fascination. Bakeneko are often depicted in Japanese literature, art, and theater, playing roles as both sinister antagonists and mysterious and clever manipulators. Their presence in stories usually heralds an unexpected turn of events (usually unfavorable for humans), introducing unpredictability and chaos.

 

The best way to understand what or who bakeneko are is to familiarize ourselves with classic stories about this demon. Below are three dark tales from Japanese folklore, where we will have the opportunity to see how bakeneko operates.

 

 

The Tale of the Bakeneko from the House of Nabeshima

 

The tale of the Bakeneko from Nabeshima unfolds in the domain of Nabeshima, where Prince Hizen, ruling at that time, owned a beautiful but mysterious cat. After the animal's death, disturbing things began to happen in the estate. The cat returned as a bakeneko, becoming a powerful and sinister spirit.

 

According to the legend, after the death of the cat, the estate of Prince Nabeshima began to be haunted by a series of unexplained and terrifying events. The bakeneko, utilizing its supernatural abilities, took the form of one of the court ladies, whom the prince held in special regard. This cunning maneuver allowed it to introduce chaos and destruction into the life of the estate.

 

Among the residents of the household, diseases began to spread, and some of them died under mysterious circumstances. The inhabitants of the estate were terrified, and the atmosphere became increasingly dense and filled with fear. Strange sounds echoed in the night, and people reported seeing bizarre, glowing cat eyes in the darkness.

 

Eventually, when the prince began to feel the influence of the sinister presence of the bakeneko, he decided to call for the help of a samurai known for his courage and cunning. After a lengthy investigation, the samurai discovered the true nature of the supposed court lady. In a decisive confrontation, the samurai faced the demon and, after a dramatic battle, managed to defeat it.

The moral of this story is multi-layered. On one hand, the tale warns against neglecting and underestimating those who surround us, suggesting that even the closest beings to us may harbor unknown dangers. On the other hand, it emphasizes the importance of vigilance and courage in the face of the unknown. It draws attention to the fact that even in familiar surroundings, among known people, where it seems nothing can surprise us – we may encounter danger. The bakeneko from Nabeshima becomes a metaphor for hidden evil, betrayal, and falsehood, making this story in Japanese folklore disturbing and ominous.

 

 

 

The Tale of the Bakeneko from Yotsuya Kaidan

 

This story, popularized by the kabuki play of the same name, takes place in the Edo period, specifically in the Yotsuya district of Edo (now Tokyo). The tale of "Yotsuya Kaidan" narrates the fate of Oiwa and Tamiya Iemon, an unhappy marriage whose tragic life turns into a nightmare due to betrayal, revenge, and supernatural events. Oiwa, betrayed and harmed by her husband Iemon, dies from poisoning and returns as a bakeneko to exact revenge.

 

In the dark tale of Oiwa and Tamiya Iemon, the heart of the drama unfolds in the shadow of betrayal and fatal decisions. Iemon, burning with the desire to marry the beautiful and wealthy Oume, decides to rid himself of his current wife, Oiwa, in the most cruel way. He hires Takuetsu, a wicked man, who administers poison to Oiwa, disguised as medicine for her chronic ailments. However, the poison does not kill her immediately, but instead causes her face to become horribly disfigured – her eye swollen and twisted eventually falls out, skin blighted and covered in blotches, and mouth contorted in an eternal grimace of pain and fear.

 

Oiwa, unaware of her husband's betrayal, dies in agony, her last moments filled with suffering and a sense of hopelessness. At the moment of her death, realizing her husband's betrayal, her spirit transforms into a bakeneko, and her anger and desire for revenge become her driving force. The spirit of Oiwa, now as a deformed and terrifying bakeneko, begins to haunt Iemon, who, without remorse, unaware, continues his life.

 

The bakeneko form of Oiwa manifests itself in the most terrifying ways – her deformed face suddenly appears in the darkness of the night, reflecting in water surfaces, on the paper walls of Iemon's house, and even in the eyes of terrified witnesses. Her spirit gives no peace to Iemon, constantly reminding him of his crime and driving him to the brink of madness. The inhabitants of Iemon's house begin to experience a series of inexplicable and terrifying events, and the atmosphere becomes grave.

 

Over time, the spirit of Oiwa becomes increasingly aggressive, and her presence affects everyone around Iemon. The story serves as a warning against the consequences of harming the innocent and a reminder that the evil inflicted on others can return to exact revenge in the most terrifying way. Oiwa as a bakeneko becomes a symbol of the endless cycle of revenge and a reminder that true justice can take the most unexpected and terrifying forms.

 

 

The Bakeneko of the Ashikaga Samurai Clan

 

Ashikaga, a powerful samurai clan, possessed a large, old cat. According to legend, this cat lived in the Ashikaga house for many years, becoming part of the family. However, over time, the cat began to exhibit strange and disturbing behaviors.

One day, when the head of the family died under unexplained circumstances, it was suspected that something more than a common illness was behind the death. Shortly after this event, the cat disappeared, only fueling rumors and fear among the estate's residents.

 

At night, unusual events began to occur in the house. Residents reported hearing strange sounds and visions of glowing cat eyes in the darkness. Most disturbing, however, were the stories of a cat-like figure that flitted through the corridors and bedrooms, emitting terrifying sounds.

Over time, these events began to be associated with the bakeneko. It was said that the Ashikaga cat, after many years of living on the estate, had become a powerful spirit that decided to take control of the house after the death of its master. The spirit of the cat was said to haunt the household, sowing fear and chaos among its residents.

 

The story of the bakeneko from the Ashikaga clan serves as a caution against the unknown and supernatural. It highlights that even the most trusted and close beings to us may harbor dark secrets. This tale also serves as a reminder that in the world of spirits and demons, the lines between reality and legend are often blurred, and the past can have unexpected and terrifying consequences for the present.

 

In all three stories, there is a common denominator – the bakeneko becomes a symbol of something ominous, unknown, and dark, lurking in what we know and assume to be close and safe to us.

 

 

Bakeneko in Pop Culture

 

Bakeneko, as a part of the rich heritage of Japanese mythology, also finds its place in pop culture. Its mysterious and often disturbing nature has inspired creators of many anime, manga, computer games, and films. In these contemporary adaptations, the bakeneko often plays the role of both a sinister antagonist and a mysterious and intriguing character.

 

 

Anime/Manga

 

"Natsume Yuujinchou" (2008, creator: Yuki Midorikawa)

This anime tells the story of a teenager who can see spirits and youkai, including bakeneko. One of the main characters is a bakeneko named Madara, often taking the form of a stuffed cat. Madara serves as a guardian and companion to the main character, helping him interact with the spirit world.

 

"Mononoke" (2007, creator: Kenji Nakamura, not to be confused with "Mononoke Hime")

This anime is a spin-off of the series "Ayakashi: Japanese Classic Horror" and focuses on a "Ghost Doctor" battling various youkai, including bakeneko. The bakeneko appears here as one of the mysterious and dangerous entities that the main character must confront.

 

"Gegege no Kitaro" (1968, creator: Shigeru Mizuki)

In this classic manga and anime series, the bakeneko appears as one of the numerous youkai. The series follows the adventures of the titular Kitaro - a youkai boy who protects humans from evil spirits and monsters, including the bakeneko.

 

 

Video Games

 

"Nioh" (2017, Team Ninja)

In this action RPG game, set in a stylized feudal Japan, players encounter various youkai, including bakeneko. These characters appear as opponents that the player must fight, showcasing their magical powers and agility.

 

"Cyberpunk 2077" (2020, CD Projekt)

True to the nature of the bakeneko – a youkai that always appears where it is least expected, it made its appearance in a game where it would be least expected. In "Cyberpunk 2077," a direct reference to bakeneko appears in one of the final missions. In this scene, the player encounters a holographic projection of a bakeneko, which is commented on by Takemura, an employee of the Arasaka corporation. The appearance of the bakeneko in this mission is a symbolic reference to Japanese mythology and culture, blending traditional elements with the futuristic world of the game.

 

The projection of the bakeneko in "Cyberpunk 2077" serves as a narrative element that adds depth and context to the game world, emphasizing the influence of various cultures on the game's universe. It is an interesting example of how traditional cultural elements can be adapted and reinterpreted in modern media, such as video games, creating unique and memorable gameplay moments.

 

"Persona" (since 1996, Atlus)

In the "Persona" RPG series, the bakeneko appears as one of the demons/personas that the player can summon. This character utilizes its magical abilities to assist the player in battle. Fans of the fifth installment of Shin Megami Tensei might wonder if Morgana is a bakeneko?

 

 

Films

"Kuroneko" (1968, director: Kaneto Shindo)

A Japanese horror film that tells the story of two women, a mother and daughter-in-law, who are murdered by samurais and return as bakeneko to seek vengeance on all samurais. The film is a dark interpretation of the bakeneko legend, focusing on themes of revenge and justice.

"Bakeneko: A Vengeful Spirit" (1968, director: Yoshihiro Ishikawa)

This film narrates the story of a young woman who is cursed and transforms into a bakeneko. She haunts the family that wronged her, gradually uncovering dark secrets from the past.

 

"Ayakashi: Samurai Horror Tales" (2006, various directors)

This television series adapted the story of "Yotsuya Kaidan," in which the character of bakeneko appears. In this interpretation, the spirit of Oiwa manifests as a terrifying bakeneko, haunting her treacherous husband.

 

Each of these adaptations presents the bakeneko in a unique way, emphasizing the diversity and richness of this character in Japanese culture. In pop culture, the bakeneko is not only a figure full of mystery but also symbolizes deeper human emotions such as revenge, regret, and the quest for justice.

 

 

 

Bakeneko Matsuri: The Festival of Cat Demons in Tokyo

 

Bakeneko Matsuri, also known as the Bakeneko Festival or Kagurazaka Bakeneko Festival, is a unique and colorful annual event held in the charming, historical district of Tokyo, Kagurazaka. Celebrated typically in October, it attracts both residents of Tokyo and tourists from around the world who come to celebrate and honor the cat spirits and youkai in Japanese culture.

 

The Bakeneko Matsuri is a one-of-a-kind carnival where participants dress up in creative and often sophisticated costumes of cats and other youkai. The streets of Kagurazaka come alive with colors and energy, creating an atmosphere of both mystery and fun. Participants parade through the streets, wearing cat masks and costumes inspired by Japanese spirits, making this event visually striking.

One of the main attractions of the festival is the parade, where participants in spectacular costumes march through the district. Besides the parade, the festival offers a variety of attractions such as workshops, dance performances, and the chance to taste local delicacies. There are also stalls with handicrafts and souvenirs related to the theme of cat spirits.

 

Bakeneko, as one of the most characteristic youkai, takes center stage at this festival. The event also provides an opportunity to celebrate the general presence of cats in Japanese culture, from ancient legends to contemporary stories.

 

Bakeneko Matsuri not only celebrates these mythical creatures but also allows participants to interactively experience Japanese folklore. Through costumes, music, dance, and art, attendees have the chance to delve into the world of youkai, discovering the richness and diversity of these traditional tales.

 

 

The Mysteries of the Cat Demon

Amidst the dark alleys of folklore and the bright streets of pop culture, the bakeneko proudly strolls, being one of the most fascinating and multidimensional spirits in Japanese mythology. Its story, full of mysteries and surprises, is like a labyrinth where every turn reveals something new and unexpected. To conclude this journey through the world of bakeneko, let's look at some lesser-known but equally intriguing aspects of this enigmatic youkai.

 

The Significance of Bakeneko in Japanese Funeral Ceremonies

In ancient times in Japan, there was a belief that cats, especially those with long tails, could disrupt funeral ceremonies. It was believed that the bakeneko had the power to resurrect the dead, and its presence near corpses could lead to unwanted consequences. For this reason, cats were often kept away from funeral ceremonies.

 

Bakeneko and Rice

In some regions of Japan, there was a belief that the bakeneko had the ability to turn rice grains into flies. This unusual ability symbolized not only their agility and cunning but also their connection to magic and witchcraft.

 

Bakeneko and Protection from Fires

Ironically, although bakeneko are often associated with causing fires, in some folk tales, they appear as guardians protecting households from fire. This can be interpreted as reflecting the dual nature of this youkai – both as a bringer of danger and a provider of protection.

 

In conclusion, the bakeneko is a character that has survived through the ages, traversing the boundaries between the real world and the world of legends. Its presence in Japanese culture is so versatile and profound that even today, in the digital age, it continues to fascinate and inspire. From the dark tales of Edo to the bright screens of contemporary media, the bakeneko remains an integral part of Japanese mythology, a source of fascination, fear, and admiration. Its mysteriousness and complexity remind us of the richness and diversity of human beliefs and that in the world of spirits and demons, nothing is quite as it seems at first glance.

 

 

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