Tag: Yokai
After File 01 went off with a bang, Koji Shiraishi’s Senritsu Kaiki File Kowasugi! File 02: Shivering Ghost (2012) tries something different and turns out unexpectedly good. The first episode of the mockumentary series didn’t disappoint in serving Koji’s found footage brands and Japanese myth goodness, showing how his knack for storytelling and genre
From time to time, you’ll see an article chronicling the various examples of times Western monsters crossed the Pacific and got starring roles in Asian cinema, such as Frankenstein Conquers the World, Vampire Effect, Bio Zombie, Werewolf Boy, and the like. It would then reason that this would be a two-way street, so surely there
It is an undeniable fact that some horror fans also can be huge softies. We enjoy our healthy dose of gore, scares, and violence, but we are not dead inside. No matter how horrific or distorted, we can always find beauty even in the most awful creature if the situation calls for it. This is
Hasshaku-sama, translated to ‘Miss Eight-Feet-Tall’, is a Japanese urban legend – who is possibly classified as a modern Yokai interpretation of ‘ Taka-onna’– originating on the Japanese message board 2Chan in 2002. The figure has strong parallels to ‘Slender Man ‘ in the West (invented itself in 2009 via Something Awful) – a sign her
When studying the occult, you will learn that each culture has its own dealings with the concept of magic. Be it through divine blessings, nature spells, or via the influence of mythical creatures, humans have long had access to a variety of supernatural abilities. But, what about curses? They are the most wretched and wrathful
There’s a funny kind of serendipity when you’re a fan commentator on popular entertainment, where you can sometimes just barely miss a critical piece of information that hits a smidge after you’ve published your piece. For example, in July of 2020, Kyle Byrd and I gave a presentation titled “Great Yokai War or GREATEST Yokai
Fans of serialized tokusatsu shows or classic anime OVAs from the 80s and 90s will find themselves right at home checking out this entry at the 2021 Japan-Filmfest Hamburg (JFFH). The story follows the adorable but cold Kirin, a girl who travels across Japan seeking other yokai that have become overwhelmed with evil intentions so
Hell-o there, Boos, Ghouls, and in-between! Your friendly neighborhood Brazilian Vic here, reporting to The Yurei with a new fresh take on folklore! Have you ever seen the rainfall and wondered if there is a larger, supernatural power behind it? I live in an old town deeply connected to its folklore and culture. Because of
Konnichiwa! Dia Duit! Wazzup! Straight Outta Kanto, much like yourself, loves a good scare. However, I like my scares safely in a movie, manga, or even a poorly written fan fiction creepypasta. However, sometimes, life can imitate media in ways no one could anticipate. When Japanese artist Keisuke Aiso submitted a sculpture of his interpretation
It’s safe to say that, for most, Naruto was their first exposure to Japanese media and culture. With its larger-than-life fight scenes, solid story arcs and beautiful artwork, it has definitely made its mark on popular culture throughout the world. One thing that I have always enjoyed about Naruto was the Bijuu, or the Tailed