Key Takeaways
- Anime and manga often incorporate Japanese myths, showcasing various types of mythical beings and yokai.
- Inuyasha, Noragami, and Nura: Rise of the Yokai Clan are examples that bring Japanese mythology to life.
- Characters like Inuyasha, Yato, and Rikuo Nura have roots in Japanese folklore, adding depth to the stories.
As a long-time enthusiast of Japanese folklore and anime, I must say that these three titles – In/Spectre, xxxHOLiC, and Mononoke – have certainly caught my attention and left an indelible impression on me. Each one offers a unique perspective on the world of yokai and ayakashi, bringing to life characters that have been hidden in the shadows of history for centuries.
In my gaming world, I’ve come across countless anime and manga that breathe life into legendary creatures from our folklore. These tales trace back to actual beasts documented in historical records, their existence still unproven. As a spectator of this captivating genre, I find myself delving into the mysteries surrounding these mythical beings, whether they walk among us or not is a question left for each individual to ponder. However, what’s undeniable is that these stories enrich my understanding and appreciation of these ancient legends.
In Japanese media today, you’ll find that a majority of stories – even those based on Japanese mythology – draw heavily from the legends themselves. However, there are creative authors who infuse these historical tales with their unique flavor while ensuring they preserve the essential traits of each folklore piece. If you’re captivated by Japanese mythology, then these anime and manga series are worth exploring.
12 Inuyasha
The Infamous Dog-Demon In Japanese Folklore And The Priestess From The Future
The anime “Inuyasha” is widely loved for its supernatural themes involving yokais and demons. The series primarily revolves around Kagome Higurashi, a 15-year-old girl who finds herself transported to Japan’s Sengoku era and encounters a half-demon character named Inuyasha. As his name implies, Inuyasha is the offspring of a Demon father and a human mother. Despite his mixed ancestry, he possesses the abilities characteristic of dog yokais.
In Japan, Yokai represents a broad category encompassing various supernatural beings such as ghosts, demons, monsters, shape-shifters, and other unexplained phenomena. Given this, Inuyasha’s father is considered a Yokai (specifically a Dog spirit of the Great Demon class) due to his supernatural status. Similarly, Inuyasha’s half-brother, Sesshomaru, also falls under the category of Yokai as he is a Daiyokai. The majority of characters in Inuyasha are derived from Japanese folklore, with many being spirits and monsters that gained notoriety during the Sengoku era.
11 Noragami
Features Gods And Phantoms From Japanese Folklore
In Japan, there are numerous religions that give rise to a multitude of deities they revere. One well-known anime, Noragami, blends deities from faiths like Buddhism and Shintoism into its narrative. Interestingly, many gods depicted in Noragami are based on real divine entities, though their names may differ slightly from those recorded historically. The main character, Yato, could be a symbol of the God of Calamity found in Japanese texts, while viewers might also recognize Izanami, the renowned Goddess of Creation in Japanese mythology, who is also featured in the series.
As a devoted fan, I’d like to share my thoughts on “Noragami,” a captivating anime that revolves around me, Yato – a humble deity struggling with scant followers. My life takes an unexpected turn when I cross paths with Hiyori Iki, an ordinary middle school girl who has an extraordinary problem: her soul occasionally departs from her body. When our paths intertwine and she requests my aid in resolving this issue, I’m introduced to the hidden realm where phantoms reside. This enthralling series is not only widely admired but also serves as a fantastic demonstration of how modern storytelling can be enriched by drawing inspiration from historical texts, brimming with gods, myths, legends, and ethereal spirits.
10 Nura: Rise Of The Yokai Clan
A Family Full Of Mythological Entities And Demons
By the light of day, Rikuo Nura appears to be an ordinary human boy. But under the cover of night, he transforms into a Yokai – a being with both human and supernatural traits. Raised as the young lord of the Nura Clan, Rikuo’s home is filled with these mystical creatures, including his grandfather, a renowned figure in the spiritual realm. Despite his extraordinary upbringing, Rikuo yearns to remain human. He strives to perform good deeds daily to offset his supernatural influences, but when malevolent yokai threaten the things he cherishes, he reluctantly embraces his destiny.
In the anime titled “Nura: Rise of the Yokai Clan“, a variety of yokai from Japanese folklore are featured. Many of these creatures take on forms similar to animals, such as crows and foxes, while some villains exhibit characteristics akin to demons because of their nature. The show presents numerous lower-tier yokai in Japanese mythology as formidable entities, offering viewers an engaging opportunity to discover each one’s distinctive abilities.
9 Black Bird
A Romance Between A Mythological Bird Of Prey And A Human
| Japanese Name | Black Bird |
|---|---|
| Release Date | 2006-07-13 |
| Volumes | 18 |
| Creator | Kanoko Sakurakoji |
In the realm of manga, age gap relationships can sometimes be a toss-up, and “Black Bird” certainly fits this description. The narrative revolves around Misao Harada, a high school student, who has been able to perceive demons and spirits since her youth. Much like any adolescent girl, she yearns for affection and a boyfriend. Her quest for love takes an unexpected turn with the enigmatic neighbor, Usui Kyou, who claims to be her long-lost childhood friend and first love.
In the story, when Misao is assaulted by a demon she encounters, it’s Kyou who steps in to rescue her. What follows is an unexpected revelation – Kyou is not just any Yokai, but the head of the Tengu clan. This special Yokai discovers that Misao possesses a unique talent: when consumed by Yokai, her power greatly enhances them. With this knowledge, it falls upon Kyou to safeguard Misao. The Tengu are legendary beings in Shintoism and are frequently portrayed as birds of prey in Japanese folklore. Besides the Tengu, the manga also features other mythical creatures such as Kitsune (spirits taking the form of foxes) and serpentine demons.
8 Tougen Anki: Dark Demon Of Paradise
Two Famous Japanese Folklore Creatures Trying To Annihilate One Another
| Japanese Name | Togen Anki |
|---|---|
| Release Date | 2020-06-11 |
| Volumes | 21 |
| Creator | Yura Urushibara |
The tale, often recognized as Tougen Anki, is set in a chaotic world where Oni and Momotarou stand as implacable foes. Momotarou are humanoid beings capable of generating harmful black bacteria for diverse purposes. Regrettably, they aim to annihilate all Oni species, perceiving them as a dangerous presence not only to humans but also to themselves. On the flip side, Oni are the oppressed, having been hunted for centuries due to their genetic makeup. The narrative revolves around Ichinose Shiki, an individual unaware of his Oni lineage, who discovers his past following the demise of his foster father.
In this manga titled “Tougen Anki,” the characters Oni and Momotarou are well-known figures in Japanese culture. However, unlike their traditional depictions, they have unique spins in this story. Although they may look alike, each character possesses distinct traits. For instance, in the manga, Oni can control their blood for personal gain, similar to Momotarou’s abilities. In contrast, conventional Japanese folklore portrays Oni as demonic monsters with malicious intentions. Momotarou, however, is not strictly a part of traditional folklore but rather a popular children’s tale, dating back to the Edo period and widely known since then.
7 Natsume’s Book Of Friends
A Boy, His Mysterious Cat, And The Book Of Japanese Spiritual Beings
From an early age, Natsume Takashi has been capable of perceiving supernatural beings known as Yokai. This unique trait has made it challenging for him to form friendships. His ability originates from his grandmother, who passed it on along with The Book of Friends following her demise. This book enlists the names of hundreds of Yokai and spirits that were subdued by his grandmother. In the spiritual realm, this book is highly valued. Instead of exploiting these entities, Natsume elects to liberate them all from its pages.
In Natsume’s Book of Friends, viewers encounter diverse Yokai, which can take the shape of either spirits or demons. One notable character is Madara or Nyanko-Sensei, who is an Inugami – a dog spirit in Japanese folklore. He is renowned among spirits in Japanese mythology and appears in this anime series. However, there are numerous other Yokai, including foxes, snakes, horses, and ghostly entities, that populate the show’s world.
6 The Demon Prince Of Momochi House
Blends Spirits From The Supernatural World Found In Japanese Folklore
The story revolves around Momochi Himari, a young orphan who inherits the supposedly haunted Momochi estate. With no other place to go, she moves in despite warnings. In this house, she encounters Aoi, Ise, and Yukari, three attractive strangers who reside there unlawfully. They attempt to persuade her to leave, but Himari insists on staying. On one fateful night, she discovers that the house lies at the boundary between the human realm and the spirit realm.
In every encounter Himari has, she finds herself among Yokais and Ayakashis. Interestingly, Aoi was once human but transformed into a Nue when he entered Momochi House. The Nue is a legendary Japanese spirit often associated with Mononoke – entities known for their vengeful nature as per historical records. Distinctively marked by cat ears, bird feathers, and a fox tail, Aoi’s appearance reflects the chimeric nature of the Nue. In contrast, Ayakashis are water-dwelling Yokais, like the water snake form that Yukari assumes.
5 Ice Guy And His Cool Female Colleague
Features The Descendant Of Yuki-Onna
| Japanese Name | Kōri Zokusei Danshi to Kūru na Dōryō Joshi |
|---|---|
| Release Date | 2023-01-04 |
| Studio | Zero-G, Liber |
| Based On | Manga |
| Number of Episodes | 12 |
| Seasons | 1 |
| Creator | Miyuki Tonogaya |
The story of Yuki-onna is one of the best-known tales in Japanese folklore. Known also as the Snow Woman, this snow spirit is frequently depicted in various global media. Her origins can be traced back to the Muromachi period (1300-1500). Though her otherworldly beauty captivates many, her eyes are said to instill fear in humans. She’s accompanied by a snowstorm wherever she goes and is often featured in stories about interspecies relationships from ancient times.
In this reimagined narrative, character names Himuro Yukiya and Fuyutsuki Miyo are central figures. Yukiya is revealed to be a descendant of the legendary Yuki-onna, possessing an unusual trait: as his heart grows warmer, his environment turns chillier. The story unfolds in a corporate setting, where Yukiya works alongside Miyo, a woman who appears emotionless. A Fox Spirit hybrid, another Japanese folklore entity known as Kitsune’s descendant, is also introduced. The plot revolves around the two characters navigating their budding relationships while managing their supernatural abilities in today’s world, creating an endearing tale of hybrid beings adapting to contemporary life.
4 Hozuki’s Coolheadedness
Introduces An Oni Demon That Manages Hell With His Supernatural Spirits
As a devoted admirer, let me share my perspective: I, in an alternate reality, serve as the Chief of Staff to the King of the Underworld, overseeing the placement of souls in their respective realms. The Underworld, under my watch, operates with a surprising level of order amidst the chaos – thanks to my diligent efforts. Whether it’s providing counsel to Momotarou from Japanese folklore or assisting the Christian Hell department, I excel at juggling tasks, fine-tuning details, and navigating diplomatic situations to ensure seamless operations behind King Enma’s throne.
In Hoozuki’s Calm Demeanor, various characters from Japanese folklore are introduced, some of which may be familiar to viewers. Among these, Hoozuki is an oni demon, Momotarou is a well-known hero from the legends, and Karachi is the rabbit character from the Kachi-kachi Yama tale. Additionally, Tengu and a depiction of Izanami, the Goddess of Creation, are featured in the narrative. The series expands beyond Japanese mythology, encompassing tales from various East-Asian cultures as well.
3 In/Spectre
Exposes The Hidden Yokai And Ayakashi From Folklore In The Modern World
In/Spectre is an anime that might elicit strong feelings of affection or dislike from its viewers. It narrates the tale of Iwanaga Kotoko, a Goddess of Wisdom who serves as a bridge between our world and the realm of the supernatural. She encounters Sakuragawa Kuro, a college student whom she has harbored feelings for over two years, and reveals her powers to him. As events unfold, Kotoko learns about his own powers as a Yokai, and they decide to collaborate in resolving the unusual occurrences that typically remain concealed.
In/Spectre features a variety of characters inspired by Japanese folklore, such as Yuki-onna and diverse species of Yokai, each with unique talents. Additionally, there are creatures categorized as yokai due to their harmful natures, leading them to become violent. The opinions among the anime community on In/Spectre vary significantly; many fans seem to prefer the original work (manga or light novel) since they find it simpler to comprehend compared to the anime version.
2 xxxHOLiC
A Haunting Dark Fantasy Of Vengeful Spirits In Japanese Folklore
xxxHolic is an unforgettable manga/anime, particularly rich in supernatural and dark fantasy themes. The narrative follows Kimihiro Watanuki, a high school student who is frequently troubled by Yokai and Ayakashi. In an unexpected turn of events, he discovers a mystical shop, run by a witch named Ichihara Yuko. Yuko offers to grant his wish to be free from the yokai that haunt him, on one condition – Watanuki must work for her as an assistant. Throughout the story of xxxHolic, Watanuki delves into the world of yokai and learns about their individual predicaments.
It doesn’t matter whether the spirits are benign or vengeful ones; Watanuki helps Yuko grant all their wishes, slowly coming to terms with this supernatural world and his abilities. The story brings in a lot of creatures from Japanese folklore, like Zashiki-warashi, Ame-warashi, Jorogumo, and other lesser known yokai from historical texts. With the added lore behind Yuko’s abilities as a witch, the story also blends many themes of tragedy, loss, hope, and longing that can easily leave readers with a bittersweet feeling.
1 Mononoke
Features Famous Evil Spirits In Folklore Known For Their Calamity
In the captivating tale of Mononoke, we encounter a nomadic healer, famously known as the “Medicine Seller”. His unique occupation involves tracking and vanquishing malevolent spirits called mononoke. To effectively banish these evil entities, he must first uncover their Shape, Understanding, and Motive – the roots of the misfortunes that led to their emergence. Mononoke offers a clear narrative structure, with each manga volume focusing on a single spirit. This means that readers or viewers can appreciate each installment independently, as they explore the Medicine Seller’s investigation into different spirits.
The series includes Yokai and Ayakashi, such as the Zashiki-warashi, Umibozu, Bakeneko, and Nue. These are all different types of spirits, either concentrated on land or water, and can often turn malevolent if not dealt with properly. In case viewers were unaware, Mononoke is actually a spin-off to Ayakashi: Samurai Horror Tales and begins from the last episode “Bakeneko.”
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2024-09-26 08:05