Mysterious Flames of the Night

Phantom Fires and Flame Yokai

A multitude of phantom fires with various origins that illuminate nocturnal fields, shores, graveyards, and eaves. From the Uba-ga-bi of an old woman who stole oil, the flames igniting on straw raincoats on rainy nights, and the Shiranui lining the sea, to hitodama representing the souls of the dead—an illustrated catalog of fire-related fears compiled by artists like Toriyama Sekien.

Tsurube-bi (Bucket Fire)

Ubagabi (Old Woman’s Fire)

Shiranui

Furari-bi (Wandering Flame)

Chōchin-bi (Lantern Fire)

Grave Fire

Fire of the Akuro-gami

Minobi (Rain-cloak Fire)

Hitodama (Human Soul Fire)

Aburabō (Oil Wraith)

Oil Baby

Korōka (Ancient Lantern Fire)

Kazembō (Fire-Monk of Toribe Hill)

Tōdaiki (Human Candelabrum)

Collections that resonate with this saga

Explore the yokai of "Phantom Fires and Flame Yokai" through curated collections.

Fire Yokai and Ghost Lights | Onibi, Kitsunebi and Shiranui in Japanese Folklore

Meet Japan’s fire yokai and ghost lights, from Hitodama, Shiranui, Tsurube-bi and Aosagibi to Kosenjōbi, Wanyūdō and Enenra. Their flames arise from different roots—souls of the dead, natural phenomena, moral tales, household fire and divine myth—and reveal why a distant light at night became something uncanny.

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Cool Yokai | Japanese Folklore through Power, Speed, and Monstrous Beauty

The "coolness" of yokai isn't determined solely by combat strength. From the overwhelming presence of Shuten-doji and Ushi-oni, the blazing speed of the Tengu and Kamaitachi, the sheer divinity of the Suzaku and Byakko, to the daring designs of Seto-taisho and Nise-kisha—the reasons they captivate us vary widely. In this collection, we explore the charm that lies beyond fear by examining their appearances and stories left in legends, folktales, and classical yokai art.

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Yokai & Kami Sagas