Strange Japanese Yokai: A Guide to Weird and Wonderful Monsters, Demons and Spirits

On page 4 there is a note that explains that this book is meant to get people interested in Japanese culture through yokai. Each entry has cartoon illustrations, a data file for info such as places, the time period in which the yokai was first made known, and books that first described the yokai, and sometimes a Surprising! section which has a fun fact. The first part is Yokai Superstars which covers Oni, Kappa, Kitsune, Tanuki, and Tengu. Chapter Two, Ourageous Yokai, covers yokai such as Amagozen, a type of female kappa, Ganbari Nyudo, Konage Baba, and more. To focus on just one, the Mujina No Tsuki is a type of yokai that can appear as a false full moon, the cartoon shows a curled up mammal in the shape of a moon. The noun mujina usually means badger, but in one region mujina is used for both badger and tanuki. Chapter 3, Disgusting Yokai, covers Pawci, Kaki Otoko, Ringo no Sei, Sagaimata, and more. Chapter 4, Countermeasures and Weaknesses, also covers a lot. To focus on just one, the Kawauso is a shapechanging river otter and it's on weakness is that it will always give the same answer to one question Chapter 5, Unexpected Origins, deals with yokai that were either originally created for illustrated books and scrolls during the Edo period but over the years entered into folklore or have entries in other books on yokai that mistakenly treat them as traditional yokai, are based upon natural phenomena mistaken for yokai, were the work of pranksters who eventually got caught, and in one case, was merely the feel of brushing against pampas grass at night. One yokai, Azukitogi Baba, has entered folklore but was based upon how some on Kyushu saw a Dutch wooden statue, but via word of mouth the yokai has grown to have regional name variants. Another folkloric yokai, Karazake no Bakemodo, originated from discarded dried salmon. To give just one more example, the Nue, a monster that is a combination of 5 animals, and is in a number of books on yokai and yokai art, is named for it's cry which is similar to that of a bird called nue, in English this same bird is known as either White's thrush, lion's thrush, or night crier, and it's been though of as an ominous bird. Nue is simply a short form of the yokai's name. Chapter 6, The Shameful Dead, concentrates on Yokai who have died, and in the case of ningyo and a raiju (a lighting yokai that can appear as a dog or a tanuki), have been preserved as mummies. Chapters 6 and 7 concern Unique Yokai and Prophetic Yokai. While the words are college level, I am under the impression that this book is meant for ages 9 and up, that is, curious readers at the age of 9 who are interested in monsters, and other cultures, and thus with that in mind, just a few words of caution. There was a time when some did not worry about such books having gore and nudity, as someone who grew up in the later 1960s and 1970s, I can say that this is a fact. This book does have a little of both. In the case of three yokai that are the ghosts of decapitated warriors, to give one example, this makes sense, and in the case of Pawci, female witches who lure unwary men by dancing in the buff at night, ditto. There are also entries on yokai who haunt toilets and the note on page 4 does warn that some yokai are, in the author's own word, "disgusting." Keep in mind that the cartoons and the info are meant to get people interested in the lives, beliefs, history and legends of Japan, and that does mean that the book has to include all kinds of yokai. Overall, a great introductory book, and as an aficiondo who has a number of books on yokai, oni, yurei and kaiju, this pleased me, thus I am confident that more seasoned readers might also enjoy this.

My 10 year old is obsessed with all things Japan and he also has a thing for cryptids so this book was a resounding success as a birthday gift. He looks at it at least once a week and impresses his friends with creepy Japanese yokai tales. It has cool illustrations- I would say it's great for around ages 9 and up. A neat, slightly creepy little book.

Love it. Love by the whole family. Use it to teach heritage. Use it to teach potty training. Use it to rid bad dreams. Use it to tell stories. Use it to teach love.

Yes so I totally failed as a parent and did not do my research. Japanese mythology is cool but can feel pretty creepy and gross for younger kiddos. This is just my opinion and for other families this may be fine. My kiddos were not prepared again my fail, and they were pretty alarmed by stories of poop eating, groping and being captured by giant testicles. I gifted this to my 9 year old and I think 14-15 years old would of been more appropriate for our family. I will forever be reminded by my kids how I creeped them out this holiday season. Yikes! Parents just do some research before making a decision.

It was a colorful easy to digest read that shared some unique Yokai I didn't even know about and I adore the subject matter.

妖怪に関する英語書籍は何冊か持っていますが、ここまでマイナーなものを扱っているのはあまり見ないですね。もちろんメジャーな奴も扱っているのですが、とても面白く思いました。ちゃんと差別化を考えているんですな。絵もほんわりした感じで良好でした。