Yōkai are entities in old Japanese stories that have mysterious supernatural powers. The word Yōkai is Chinese in origin meaning demon, monster or spectre. However, Yōkai are not demons in the Western sense of the word, but are instead spirits. Yōkai often have animal features, but may also appear humanoid in appearance. Some resemble inanimate objects, while others have no discernible shape. There are thousands of yōkai in Japanese folklore - here's an introduction on a few:
1) Tsuchigumo are large spider-like creatures and are one of the best known of the Yōkai in the whole of Japanese folklore. Giant spider yōkai began being depicted as large mythical spider-like beasts in the Japanese middle ages.
2) Mizuchi are a type of Japanese dragon or legendary serpent-like creature. They are either found in an aquatic habitat or otherwise connected to water. In some ancient tales, Mizuchi are perceived to be water spirits or water deities.
3) Tsukumogami are everyday objects or tools that have aged significantly and have acquired a spirit. It is believed the objects need to be around 100 years old to change and become alive or self-aware.
4) Noppera-bo are ghosts that are known primarily for frightening humans. They appear at first as ordinary human beings, sometimes impersonating someone familiar to the victim, before causing their features to disappear, leaving a blank, smooth sheet of skin where their face should be.
5) Kawa no kami is a river deity or spirit in Japanese folklore. He is also known as the king of the river gods. Larger rivers have their own gods, but all waterways are under Kawa-no-kami's authority.
6) Kintarō is a folk hero from Japanese folklore - a young child of superhuman strength who fought monsters and demons. It is custom to put up a Kintarō doll on Boy's Day in Japan in the hope that boys will become equally brave and strong.
7) Yama-Uba are the old hags and witches of the Japanese mountains and forests. A kind of kijo (demon woman), yama-uba were once human, but were corrupted and transformed into monsters. They usually appear as ordinary elderly women, with no sign of their evil nature until they attack.
8) Namahage are a troll type of oni (demon) with orange or red skin. During the new year, they get their kicks by terrorizing villages and carrying off young brides. The only way to appease them and send them on their merry way is by giving them mochi cake.
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