Brushing Shoulders with Yokai: The Reiwa Everyday

Baku (Dream Eater)ba-ku

In a dark bedroom, a white Baku extends its long trunk toward the pillow of a sleeper. Despite its size, it leaves the bedding undisturbed, as though checking only the rhythm of each breath. The Baku is believed to eat nightmares and guard sleep. It finishes before the alarm, carrying only the frightening dreams away. After a large meal, it looks a little drowsy in the morning.

Nekomataneh-koh-MAH-tah

Before an old townhouse, a cat in a black kimono turns on two legs. Beneath the hem, its tail divides neatly in two. Nekomata is a long-lived cat that has acquired supernatural power. It appears to know human speech and manners, but may have read the household secrets before the neighborhood notice.

KumitezuriKOO-mee-teh-ZOO-ree

Against a golden sunset, a crowned woman in white stands on a reef. Long hair and robes stream in the wind, catching the path of light across the water. Kimitezuri is said to be a goddess who protects the Ryukyu Kingdom and is linked to the sea and sun. Sunset is not closing time. She is the one entrusted with the sun until morning.

Seiryū (Azure Dragon)Seiryū

Beside an urban river in blossom, a man with blue scales and a tail leans on the railing. His long horns cut a sharp silhouette against the evening office towers. Seiryū, one of the Four Symbols, governs the east and spring. His choice of the east bank during cherry-blossom season is no accident. Before sitting beside him, check your bearings.

Abe no SeimeiAH-beh noh SAY-may

In a dim interior, an onmyōji in black court robes turns quietly. The lamp on his desk is small, but there is nothing uncertain in his gaze. Abe no Seimei mastered astronomy, the calendar, and divination, and later tales made him a commander of shikigami. Before you begin the consultation, he already knows the unlucky direction and everything you meant to hide.

Kodama Mousekoh-DAH-mah NEH-zoo-mee

On the wet forest floor, a mouse as round as a ball has stopped in the path. Its tiny body is charming, yet it makes no move to flee. Kodama-nezumi is said to swell at the sight of a person and burst with a sound like a gunshot. This is a sign that the mountain god is angry. Treat it not as a photo opportunity, but as your cue to descend.

Nine-Tailed FoxKyubi no Kitsune

At dusk along a street of old townhouses, a fox-eared woman turns. Behind her pale kimono, great tails spread like a fan, with no attempt to hide them from view. The nine-tailed fox gains immense spiritual power and nine tails through long life. However much she resembles another visitor, she is not the one to ask for directions. Your thoughts will be read first.

Hashihime (Bridge Princess)HAH-shee-HEE-meh

In the rain by the Uji River, a woman in red looks back with the bridge behind her. Red ornaments shine in wet hair; her gaze is colder than the water below. Hashihime of Uji is both guardian goddess of the bridge and a woman transformed into a demon by jealousy. Do not praise the view from another bridge here. Save comparisons until you reach the opposite bank.

Zashiki-warashizashiki-warashi

At the entrance to an old tatami room, a little girl in a red floral dress looks back. The room beyond is silent; the only thing missing is the family. Zashiki-warashi brings prosperity to the home it inhabits, while its departure brings decline. Meeting one during a property viewing is a feature, not a fright. Just do not ask when she plans to move out.

Fujiwara no Chikata’s Four Onifooj-ee-WAH-rah no chee-KAH-tah no yohn-kee

After the rain at the harbor, four demons gather without a word. One stands tall, another folds its arms, another crouches low; none looks in the same direction. Fujiwara no Chikata's Four Demons served him with separate powers over metal, wind, water, and invisibility. It may look like a team photograph, but this is the division of labor that once tormented the imperial court.

Ayakashiayakashi

In a dim fishing port, a woman in white watches from the quay. Offshore, a single blue ghost light floats where no navigation marker should be. Ayakashi is a broad name for uncanny phenomena at sea, from mysterious fires to ship ghosts. However much it resembles a beacon home, do not steer toward it. It may also take the form of a mountain or island and block the way.

Taiba, the Horse-Killing WindTAI-bah

Before the stable, grit-filled wind whirls around a woman with a horse's head. A fallen horse lies at her feet, its mane alone standing on end. Taiba was feared as a whirlwind that wrapped around a horse's neck and caused it to die suddenly. A low wind-speed reading offers no reassurance. If the horses grow restless, get indoors at once.

Great Zato (The Blind Masseur Yokai)OH-zah-TOH

Through a wet nightlife district walks an elderly blind minstrel with a staff and shamisen. He pays no attention to the touts' lights; only his footsteps continue. Ōzatō was said to wander the main road on stormy nights and, when asked, answer that he played shamisen in houses of pleasure. There is no booking or sign tonight, but the next engagement seems decided.

Field Matchlock (Nodeppō)noh-DEHP-poh

On a wet stone in the forest, a small beast with bat wings crouches low. Round ears and eyes may look adorable, but its aim is fixed squarely at face height. Nodeppō was said to steal a person's sight at dusk and drink their blood. The closer you hold the phone for a photograph, the deeper you step into range.

Doro-danbō (Mud Rice-Field Wraith)DOH-roh-dahn-BOH

From a darkened paddy, a mud-covered man rises to the waist. One eye gapes as a three-fingered hand reaches toward you. Dorotabō is said to appear in the fields each night crying, "Give back the field." Even if you have never mistreated a farm, anyone who took a shortcut along a paddy bank may feel a small pang of guilt.

Bakezōri (Haunted Straw Sandal Tsukumogami)bah-keh-ZOH-ree

In the entryway of an old house stands an enormous straw sandal with arms and legs. It is only one half of a pair, yet it intends to get outside before you do. Bake-zōri is footwear treated carelessly and transformed into a tsukumogami. Before buying new shoes, thank the pair worn for years. Otherwise, footsteps may voice their complaint after midnight.

Kosame-bō (Little Rain Monk)koh-sah-meh-BOH

On a wet mountain path, a monk beneath a deep sedge hat holds out one hand. The palm is empty, slowly filling with raindrops. Kosame-bō is depicted roaming the mountains of Ōmine and Katsuragi to ask for alms. It shows no sign of accepting contactless payment. If you pass, bring a coin and a respectful bow.

Dream MirrorMOO-kyoh

By a train window, a girl in a transparent coat gazes at a purple figure. The figure on the far side of the glass is sharper than the passing scenery. Mukyō learned human longing and loneliness until it could reflect the being each person desires most. It vanishes at a touch, yet even after missing your transfer, you cannot look away.

Yuki-warashi (Snow Child)YOO-kee WAH-rah-shee

In an old town deep in snow, a barefoot child in a pale blue kimono stands alone. Cheeks and fingertips are so white they seem ready to disappear into the snowfall. Yuki-warashi stays close to people through winter, then vanishes with the snow in spring. Those eyes have found a new playmate, but any promise can last only until the thaw.

Sanmai TarōSAHN-mai tah-ROH

In the darkness of a cemetery, a gray figure stands holding wooden clappers. Long hair hides its face; only the grave markers shine pale behind it. Sanmai Tarō is said to be the spirit of the many bodies burned at the cremation ground, assuming human form there. If a dry clack sounds at night, do not mistake it for a patrol and draw closer.

Akashi-samaah-KAH-shee-sah-mah

On a steep residential hill, a woman in red looks back along the wall. Beyond the railway crossing it is still light, yet dusk pools thickly around her. Akashi-sama is a Yokohama ghost told of to warn children against staying out at night. One look is enough to send anyone home. No detours today; keep to the bright streets.

Kejōrō (Hair Courtesan)keh-JOH-roh

Under the eaves of an old pleasure quarter stands a woman whose face is completely covered by long black hair. Only the bright pattern of her kimono shows through the strands. Kejōrō is Toriyama Sekien's wordplay on the figure of a courtesan and a mass of hair. When she turns, there is still no face, only hair moving closer. Pretending you mistook her for someone else will not work.

Hitodama (Human Soul Fire)hee-toh-DAH-mah

In a nighttime alley, a pale blue flame floats beside a woman in white. The trailing light hovers low and refuses to pass the next corner. Hitodama is thought to be the glow of a soul that has left the body and has also been taken as an omen of death. Even if it seems to illuminate a shortcut, the place ahead may not be home.

Akaeiakaei

On a rocky shore beneath gray skies stands a figure with a great red head. One eye opens in its smooth skin, watching the shore instead of the sea. Akaei is said to grow vast enough to be mistaken for an island, with sand gathered across its back. Before the ground beneath your landing begins to sink, return to the lighthouse side.

Akki (Malevolent Oni)AHK-kee

A great horned, fanged man stands in a rainy dining district. Wet coat and muddy shoes alike seem dark enough to swallow the surrounding light. Akki is a general name for evils such as disease, famine, and disaster given demonic form. It has not arrived on any particular errand; its presence alone spreads misfortune. Take another route tonight.

Minobi (Rain-cloak Fire)MEE-noh-bee

At twilight in a boat, tiny golden flames light all over the straw cape of its wearer. The straw does not burn, and every attempt to brush the lights away only makes more appear. Minobi clings to rain capes on wet nights at sea and multiplies when touched. Beautiful or not, leave it alone. The only way to switch it off is to remove the cape.

The Oak That Never Shed Its Leavesoh-chee-bah-NAH-kee SHEE-ee

Beneath an ancient tree hemmed in by office buildings, a woman in green leans against the trunk. The branches remain thick with leaves, while not a single one lies underfoot. The Evergreen Shii, one of the Seven Mysteries of Honjo, was famed for never shedding a leaf in any season. Good news for the caretaker, perhaps, but a miracle too quiet to feel natural.

Kijo (Demon Woman)KEE-joh

On a rainy hill, a woman in red looks back. Two horns rise through her wet hair. Her expression is calm, yet no one tries to pass. Kijo is a human woman transformed into a demon by jealousy or resentment. While she is still keeping those feelings in check is precisely when you should not speak to her.

PenghouPOONG-hoh

At the foot of a giant tree sits a creature with a human body and a dog's face. It blends into bark and moss, making no move until you stop. Hōkō is a Chinese tree spirit that appears when an ancient tree is harmed. Before resting in the forest, bow to the tree you choose. Someone may already be seated beside the trunk.

Mishige (Enchanted Rice Paddle)MEE-shee-geh

Among discarded boxes, a small figure holds an enormous rice paddle and tub. Though no one else should be there after midnight, it is in remarkably high spirits. Mishige is an Okinawan tsukumogami in which an old rice paddle comes noisily to life. If sounds like sanshin and drums rise from the trash collection point late at night, it may be the beginning of a feast, not something left uncollected.