Welcome to Yokai.com, the illustrated database of Japanese folklore. This is an illustrated encyclopedia featuring ghosts, monsters, and legendary figures from Japan. All of the entries on this site are …

提灯火 ちょうちんび Translation: lantern fire Alternate names: tanukibi, kōemonbi Habitat: rural farmlands Appearance: Chōchinbi are strange orbs of fire which appear on the footpaths separating …

玉取姫 たまとりひめ Translation: Lady Tamatori; lit. “jewel-taking princess” Appearance: Tamatori hime is a nickname given to a legendary ama —a pearl diver—who dove down to the bottom of the sea …

見越入道 みこしにゅうどう Translation: anticipating priest Alternate names: mikoshi, miage nyūdō, taka bōzu Habitat: bridges, roads, streets; especially at night Diet: omnivorous; prefers travelers …

飛縁魔 ひのえんま Translation: flying fate demon Alternate names: enshōjo (fate hindering woman) Habitat: human-inhabited areas Diet: men, especially clergy Appearance: Hinoenma are wicked …

乳の親 ちいのうや Translation: milk mother, wet nurse Habitat: rivers and streams near graveyards Appearance: Chīnouya are Okinawan spirits which resemble ghostly human women, with long black …

野箆坊 のっぺらぼう Translation: faceless monk Alternate names: often referred to as mujina Habitat: roads, inns, shops; blends into human society Diet: unknown, but has no mouth and thus can't eat …

生霊 いきりょう Translation: living ghost Alternate names: shōryō, seirei, ikisudama Habitat: inhabited areas Diet: none; lives off its owner’s emotions Appearance: Ikiryō are the souls of still-living people …

土蜘蛛 つちぐも Translation: ground spider Alternate names: yatsukahagi, ōgumo ("giant spider") Habitat: rural areas, mountains, forests, and caves Diet: humans, animals; anything that it can trap …

方相氏 ほうそうし Translation: minister of the four directions; one who sees in all directions Appearance: In ancient times, a hōsōshi was an official government minister and a priest in the …