Yokai are NOT Japanese Ghosts

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  • เผยแพร่เมื่อ 22 พ.ค. 2024
  • If you’re a fan of Japanese anime and manga culture, I’m pretty sure you know about “妖怪 yokai.”
    They are literally everywhere, from 夏目友人帳 to 犬夜叉, ぬらりひょんの孫, and recently 鬼滅の刃!
    However, when yokai are explained in English, I’ve seen some translations that describe them as “the Japanese ghosts.”
    To be honest, this translation is not accurate.
    Japan has its original culture of ghosts called “幽霊 yūlei,” which also appears in many anime and manga too.
    But… can you explain how yōkai and Japanese ghosts yūlei are different?
    So today, as a big fan of yōkai and yūlei manga myself, I will explain about the three main differences between them.
    After watching today’s video, I’m sure you’ll be able to enjoy manga and anime based on them even more.
    Also at the end of the video, I will introduce three other names of Japanese demons and ghosts that I’m sure you’ve heard of somewhere before, so I hope you can stay with me till the end.
    [Time codes]
    0:00 Let's START!
    2:00 1. Their definitions
    4:07 2. Their histories
    7:02 3. Their appearances
    10:34 “Obake” “Mononoke” “Onryo”
    13:29 Today’s conclusion
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ความคิดเห็น • 818

  • @ThatLurkingWeeb
    @ThatLurkingWeeb 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1326

    "A Yurei is a someone; a Yokai is a something." Got that from the Yurei Attack! book :D

    • @0nullnil
      @0nullnil 2 ปีที่แล้ว +51

      I like this short explanation!

    • @TheDarkNinjaX9
      @TheDarkNinjaX9 2 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      But Yurei are still considered Yokai no?

    • @ThatLurkingWeeb
      @ThatLurkingWeeb 2 ปีที่แล้ว +57

      @@TheDarkNinjaX9 Technically not cause Yurei are their own category. They're people who can't move on into the afterlife due to extreme emotions such as anger, sadness or vengeance. Basically saying Yurei are still yokai is like calling a western ghost a cryptid like big foot or the moth man, if that makes sense?

    • @mohammedwheels9072
      @mohammedwheels9072 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Now I'm confused is kitsune Yokai or Yurei

    • @ThatLurkingWeeb
      @ThatLurkingWeeb 2 ปีที่แล้ว +18

      @@mohammedwheels9072 Kitsune classifies as a Yokai 👌

  • @goldensus7778
    @goldensus7778 3 ปีที่แล้ว +641

    Shogo's presentation is basically like a typical school presentation but with much higher quality. What a huge testament from academic presentation lol

  • @MauM.
    @MauM. 3 ปีที่แล้ว +857

    Normally, I tend to translate "yokai" in my head as "folkloric creatures", "supernatural beings" or something like that.

    • @fastgav
      @fastgav 3 ปีที่แล้ว +12

      I always translated it as monster.

    • @kaminana144na2
      @kaminana144na2 3 ปีที่แล้ว +66

      @@fastgav Monster doesn't really connote the spiritual or "magical" aspect of Youkai, though. Monsters are usually physical creatures like Bigfoot or Old Nessie...or the biological abominations of Resident Evil. Plus, obake is usually already translated as monster.
      Personally, I prefer Faefolk or "spirits of nature".

    • @ri_mae
      @ri_mae 3 ปีที่แล้ว +21

      agree, i also prefer the term of "supernatural things"

    • @straypaper
      @straypaper 2 ปีที่แล้ว +20

      @@kaminana144na2 Yokai *does* encompasses things like bigfoot though. It's basically anything that looks extraordinary, like oni which are basically Japanese bigfoot. There's nothing supernatural about an oni at all. They're just mountain giants that likes eating people. They have a community, sometimes seen in groups, and they presumably reproduce (sometimes with humans too). Sometimes they practice magic but the point is they don't need to always be magical. Yokai is closer to the word "cryptids" and it's basically a throw bag. It's not exclusively supernatural.
      Nature spirits are more like mononoke, just like what Shogo said in the video. They're like yurei but non-human in origin and appearance. Some mononoke are yokais like the disease mentioned in the video, but not all of them are. It seems the definition expands into Shinto gods because the Princess Mononoke movie depicted them as forest god or some sorts. The word mononoke itself doesn't have a kanji though so it's hard to know for sure the real meaning. I think it's safe to translate it as "spirits" though it needs to be distinctly non-human.
      Yurei and onryo are easy. They're basically ghosts, straight and simple. Yurei is "lingering spirits" and it can be either regretful or vengeful, or even maybe hopeful since I've read some short story long ago about a parent that passed away but refuses to move on until their child's college entrance result is announced (they're not harming anyone and it's quite bittersweet in fact but I forgot the exact detail). Onryo is "vengeful spirits" and they *must* cause destruction. There's no exact standard of *why* they must harm people. It could be they were cursed by something or someone, could be they're bound by a deal with the devil, or maybe they're just super angry.
      The last one obake is not really a group of creature. It's just a general term for a phenomenon that spooks you. As explained in the video the root of obake is "to disguise", so the main thing is what it looks like. A yokai can be an obake because it spooks you, a yurei can be too if it spooks you, same with mononoke. The closest English word to obake is "apparition". It's not exclusively a creature, but what matters is that it spooks you.
      If I have to make a venn diagram, there are three big circles of "spirits of nature" mononoke, "lingering spirits" yurei, and "vengeful spirits" onryo. Those three circles never intersect, because they are mutually exclusive. The monoke circle intersects with the "cryptids" yokai circle, as some mononoke are yokai but not all, and vice versa. The yokai circle doesn't intersect with anything else because a human spirit can never be a yokai. Finally "apparition" obake doesn't have a circle. You can call anything you just saw as an obake as long as it spooks you (and you believe that you don't know it's exact nature, hence disguise, because if you had known the nature of something that spooks you, like a serial killer, then it's not an obake).

    • @k.umquat8604
      @k.umquat8604 2 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      @@kaminana144na2 Djinn is a very fitting translation for Middle Easterners.

  • @madarasamanta2494
    @madarasamanta2494 3 ปีที่แล้ว +597

    Somehow I remembered one movie it's called "Princess Mononoke". It was and still is my favourite movie from childhood.

    • @iwantadamt-shirt8340
      @iwantadamt-shirt8340 3 ปีที่แล้ว +16

      OMG same!!!

    • @JOXOcean
      @JOXOcean 3 ปีที่แล้ว +18

      I believe that if it once became your favorite movie from your childhood, then it always will be one.

    • @madarasamanta2494
      @madarasamanta2494 3 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      @@JOXOcean I agree. That feeling follows you all through the adulthood. :)

    • @Jordan-inJapan
      @Jordan-inJapan 3 ปีที่แล้ว +14

      That is definitely one of my favorites too. I just love the feeling of that ancient forest and all its inhabitants, and the way it kind of blends history and fantasy. Miyazaki is a master...

    • @allaboutandrewtate2850
      @allaboutandrewtate2850 2 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      Yes I love that movie. Deff a all time fav anime. If you like that style. Watch spirited away. It’s of the same style of anime. Or howls moving castle. Another great anime. Those are from my top ten most fav anime.

  • @malaquingtaku
    @malaquingtaku 3 ปีที่แล้ว +193

    Now I understand where they get Pokemon ideas

    • @ThanhTran-gb4pw
      @ThanhTran-gb4pw 2 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      And Personas

    • @ecru_5819
      @ecru_5819 2 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      And monsters from Monster Hunter

    • @jacupthegreat
      @jacupthegreat 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      And yo Kai for yo Kai watch

    • @GotGreenGardening
      @GotGreenGardening 3 หลายเดือนก่อน

      I knew they were little demons.

  • @krustygraze189
    @krustygraze189 3 ปีที่แล้ว +136

    As a Touhou Project player/fan, this video pleases my soul

    • @maliejdieartist
      @maliejdieartist 3 ปีที่แล้ว +6

      I am also a Touhou Project fan. :>

    • @krustygraze189
      @krustygraze189 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      @@maliejdieartist 2hu gang gang

    • @dava8058
      @dava8058 3 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      I expected this kind of comment

    • @touhouyamaxmichezuch.1302
      @touhouyamaxmichezuch.1302 3 ปีที่แล้ว +7

      Cool, it seems like Shogo knows Touhou.

    • @Misakimori_NM
      @Misakimori_NM 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      ahh another 2hu user here

  • @floppyearfriend
    @floppyearfriend 2 ปีที่แล้ว +177

    I find it very interesting how yūrei are described as having no legs, as the western idea of ghosts also depicts them as having no legs. It's fascinating how different cultures can develop such similar ideas completely independently.
    EDIT: Also, that picture of the Nurikabe you used at 9:59 is absolutely adorable!

    • @andripurwanto1732
      @andripurwanto1732 2 ปีที่แล้ว +11

      A culture could be born because there is a cause... And this ghost culture would always had similiarities even when the country are different and so far away. And when you think about it, this "ghost culture" date at a long time ago when trading information is really hard to get. Then why they could have similiarities?... That only means there are lot of people experience this phenomenon in a same way, and that's why this ghost culture born in a similiar way. This kind of study always lead to "pseudo science" territory, since proving "ghost" is plainly imposible (maybe it could be possible when human have technological breakthrough about particle). But one thing for sure, we could sense ghost or even worse, experience it but we couldn't pinpoint it (cause they are formless) and we ussualy only think of it as a mere "suggestion". That's it for my rant... Thank You.

    • @starfishinamber
      @starfishinamber 2 ปีที่แล้ว +20

      When he wondered why I immediately knew - you don't hear them approaching, if you can't hear them walk, it makes sense they have no legs and float instead.

    • @floppyearfriend
      @floppyearfriend 2 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      @@starfishinamber oooh. fascinating

    • @ulrikahaggard9923
      @ulrikahaggard9923 2 ปีที่แล้ว +7

      @@starfishinamber my theory is that the legs of a person connect them to the material world. They quite literally connect the body to the ground of the earth. So something immaterial and no longer connected to our plane of existed would not have that connection back to the earth.

    • @blackknightjack3850
      @blackknightjack3850 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Wait until you see the Edo period pictures of nurikabe. They look like derpy, blocky tigers or dogs. I've even seen someone describe them as looking like Falcor from The Neverending Story.

  • @kieragard
    @kieragard 3 ปีที่แล้ว +28

    It's the a rectangle can be a square, but a square can't be a rectangle explanation.

  • @halos-arthur
    @halos-arthur 2 ปีที่แล้ว +140

    I literally jumped and yelled at the mentioning of Yokai Watch hehehehe, it's so underrated here in the US, and I have loved it for many years.. I didn't know there was a difference! This video as well as many topics on the channel really clear things up for me. Thank you!

    • @zozybb
      @zozybb 2 ปีที่แล้ว +9

      Yokai watch is the best!! I really wish it got more recognition as it’s such a great game series! I’m still playing it now😄

    • @damyenhockman5440
      @damyenhockman5440 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      From what I've seen of it, it's essentially pokémon, except they can talk. They even copied Pokemon's strategy of releasing two games with very slight differences and version exclusives so you have to trade between them to obtain them all.

    • @chickwithaknife6988
      @chickwithaknife6988 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      Me too!!I used to watch it everytime!!

    • @Halito-zn4co
      @Halito-zn4co 2 ปีที่แล้ว +6

      @@damyenhockman5440 First of all, they only made it in Yo Kai Watch 2&3. In Yo Kai watch 4 doesn't exist version exclusives anymore.
      When Yo Kai watch just had (we are speaking of: had) the version exclusives and the swap mode is it then like Pokemon only because of these 2 similar things? When you play the games will you see that it has nothing to do with pokemon.

    • @andromedamessier3176
      @andromedamessier3176 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      I used to think of Yokai watch as a love child between Ben 10 and Pokémon 😂

  • @Bakenekodesu
    @Bakenekodesu 2 ปีที่แล้ว +59

    I've learned, that Obake are ghosts that changed in a particular way. To say it more easily: They are some kind of shapeshifters like Bakeneko, Kitsune or Tengu. I know they are also connected with Yurei but for me it makes way more sense to distinguish the Yurei from the term of Obake and to see Obake more of a specific kind of Yokai.
    Funny thing as well: In the Horror Game Phasmophobia we do have Yokai, Yurei, Onryo, Oni and Raiju - so they are somewhat confusing if you know Japanese mythology. Furthermore in the game the only ghosts that do not give footprints are wraiths and I'm still super confused that Yurei have footprints without having legs or feet xD

  • @fabulousbandit5193
    @fabulousbandit5193 3 ปีที่แล้ว +68

    congrats on your 100k you earned it

  • @inarifox3113
    @inarifox3113 3 ปีที่แล้ว +67

    Yōkai and yūrei. My favorite topic. Kitsune are my favorite. My favorite character is Tamamo No Mae

    • @davio5225
      @davio5225 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      meine are kyubi und Núe

    • @Detachedpoet224
      @Detachedpoet224 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      The tengu Is my favourite

    • @faullus1352
      @faullus1352 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Chochin-Obake is one of my favorites.

    • @davio5225
      @davio5225 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      sorry Mine are Kyubi and Núe

    • @NathalieO
      @NathalieO 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      I can straight from Linfami’s channel

  • @LucasF25
    @LucasF25 3 ปีที่แล้ว +104

    I love how i immediately knew which Yokais you were talking about in the intro, despite being Brazilian. Even the wall and the Piece of Cloth, just because of how much i like yokai xD
    Also didnt expect Natsume Yuujinchou and Nurarihyon no Mago to be brought up 💕

    • @GudHunterYT96
      @GudHunterYT96 3 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      I wish natusme would be finished :( they never finished it

    • @LucasF25
      @LucasF25 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      @@GudHunterYT96 Sad times. But hey, if you havent checked out Nurarihyon, i recommend

    • @GudHunterYT96
      @GudHunterYT96 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@LucasF25 will do

    • @staybaboo
      @staybaboo 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      Nurarihyon no mago is super awesome and worthy of watching! 👹

    • @desmondscalaro3669
      @desmondscalaro3669 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      When I think of yokai I think of gege no kitaro

  • @annika5893
    @annika5893 3 ปีที่แล้ว +127

    Inuyasha! ❤️ Another great anime with a lots of yokai is Kakuriyo No Yadomeshi. Oni, tengu and a lot more. And as far as stories go... kuchisake-onna is a bone chilling one.

    • @heartcrafts3426
      @heartcrafts3426 2 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      DEFINATELY! Inuyasha is a brilliant story that only gets better as you learn more and more of the story as it goes on..Its such an interesting and unique idea for antagonist....

    • @PerfectPride
      @PerfectPride 2 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      I LOVE Kakuriyo. I’m sad there is no season two for the anime but I would like to read the manga, the world and characters are just so fun.

    • @nottius1026
      @nottius1026 2 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      I watched Inuyasha back when I was a kid, and Kakuriyo is really awesome, the girls are picking their monster-husbando back then (me and the boys are into monster girls instead haha)

  • @StrawberryRaine
    @StrawberryRaine 2 ปีที่แล้ว +33

    Haha, I couldn't stop thinking of the game, Phasmophobia. The name literally means the fear of ghosts, and it's a game about figuring out what type of ghost is haunting a given area by finding different kinds of evidence.
    I'm pretty sure all three of the current developers are based in the UK, but the game has a lot of Japanese ghosts like the Yurei, Onryo, Oni, Obake, and more. Very interesting to learn more about the actual lore and history of said ghosts!

  • @immersionlanguageclub
    @immersionlanguageclub 2 ปีที่แล้ว +20

    As a longstanding student of Japanese culture, your video outperforms anything else I've seen on TH-cam on this subject. Thank you for your continuing commitment to high quality and rigor!

  • @danielromo3040
    @danielromo3040 3 ปีที่แล้ว +18

    A great video as usual, thank you Shogo!

  • @Mabel_Pines
    @Mabel_Pines 2 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    This information is really helpful for separating differences, thank you for explaining!

  • @ElMatador-ws3in
    @ElMatador-ws3in 2 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    Thank you for that explanation! I’ve always heard of Oni my whole life, but I definitely learned a lot today!! Thank you Shogo!!

  • @Munchkin.Of.Pern09
    @Munchkin.Of.Pern09 2 ปีที่แล้ว +11

    I’m also curious about the etymology of “Ayakashi” and “Bakemono”.

  • @ERJones-fd6oh
    @ERJones-fd6oh 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    i very much enjoy the summary at the end that wraps everything up neatly

  • @jacobrodrig8
    @jacobrodrig8 2 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    I love how organized and professional you speak. No matter the topic you're always so calm and consistent, and i really wish i could be like that more. Keep up the great work!

  • @kiethashadow1813
    @kiethashadow1813 2 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    Thank you for teaching us shogo sensei
    Honestly I appreciate learning about this amazing culture and I pray that I continue to learn of its history and development through this entertaining channel

  • @yunotaku91
    @yunotaku91 2 ปีที่แล้ว +7

    In one of my favourite video games "Okami" there's a obstacle called "Blockhead". I never noticed that it was probably inspired by that wall yokai.
    Anyway, I'm so happy that I found your channel! You explain everything in a way that even an amateur would understand. All your videos are interesting and inspiring. Thanks to you, I'm sure I'll visit Kyoto someday!

  • @megsullivan
    @megsullivan 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    This video is super helpful. Thank you so much for making it!

  • @JapanMediaTour
    @JapanMediaTour 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Fantastic video! I always learn a lot from your channel

  • @WhatKindOfNameNow
    @WhatKindOfNameNow 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Another great video about a fascinating topic.

  • @nikonp5994
    @nikonp5994 3 ปีที่แล้ว +8

    My favorite yurei in anime and manga “Sai” from “Hikaru no Go”

  • @MysticMuttering
    @MysticMuttering ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Thanks for the videos about Japanese folklore! I’ve been into it since I was a kid. I had relatives living in Japan who sent me a book series from the Kodansha English Library called Once Upon A Time In Japan. I loved the stories so much I told them to other kids on camping trips. I would love to hear about some of your favorite folktales. It may be worth doing a review of the series- I don’t think anyone else on TH-cam has done that, at least from a couple cursory searches in English.

  • @raptorlewis273
    @raptorlewis273 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Some of my favorite anime explore both Yurei and Yokai: Princess Mononoke, Spirited Away and Yu Yu Hakusho. Great video!

  • @zozybb
    @zozybb 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Great video! I’ve learnt more about yokai & yurei thanks to your video😄 I find yokai so interesting!

  • @vitotigani
    @vitotigani 3 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    Already 100k wow 😳 congrats!

  • @hardboiledbrain
    @hardboiledbrain 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    So glad you covered that subject, thank you so much .

  • @baylog9679
    @baylog9679 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    You are becoming my favorite channel, I so wish I knew about your channel when I lived in Japan

  • @anaideviveiros6597
    @anaideviveiros6597 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Awesome topic!! Another great video ❤️

  • @nastyHarry
    @nastyHarry 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I love your channel. Your personality and presentation skills will guarantee a million subscribers soon

  • @ranger81270
    @ranger81270 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Thank You very much, Shogo-san... Allways enlightning on your videos. I enjoyed this chapter very much. Greetings from Chile

  • @PerfectPride
    @PerfectPride 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Such a fun video! InuYasha is one of my favorite anime and is what made me fall in love with yokai and Japanese folklore and monsters. 🐶

  • @robertomainetti4836
    @robertomainetti4836 7 หลายเดือนก่อน

    I like your talking. Clear, essential and interesting. Thank you and go on like this.

  • @leonarddefusco269
    @leonarddefusco269 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Love this video! Looking forward to learning more in your others.

  • @sayonarakid
    @sayonarakid 3 ปีที่แล้ว +7

    Congratulations for the 100k subs!

  • @Jordan-inJapan
    @Jordan-inJapan 3 ปีที่แล้ว +8

    Very cool video on an interesting topic.
    So... what (who) is your favorite YOKAI, everyone?

    • @nicetomeetyoutsu
      @nicetomeetyoutsu 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Tengu! 👺

    • @LetsaskShogo
      @LetsaskShogo  3 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      Hmm... I’ll go with the ぬらりひょん Nura😎

    • @Jordan-inJapan
      @Jordan-inJapan 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      I’ve always liked Kappa myself. 河童
      (Cute or sinister, depending on the portrayal.)

    • @16shokushu
      @16shokushu 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Rokurokubi!

    • @Jordan-inJapan
      @Jordan-inJapan 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@16shokushu Hey, so where is your web comic about Yokai? (It sounds like something I’d be interested in.) I was GOING to subscribe to your channel for that...but no content yet! 😆

  • @WildBillCox13
    @WildBillCox13 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Very useful, Shogo. Thank you. Gladly liked and shared.

  • @ten7554
    @ten7554 2 ปีที่แล้ว +62

    Nurarihyon no Mago was one of my favorite series growing up, I'm so sad it got cancelled... 😭
    Nioh 2 is another recent--and I think, super cool--instance of Japanese media displaying yokai in a fantasy setting. It's an action RPG where you play as a loosely based fantasy interpretation of Toyotomi Hideyoshi during various warring times in Japan, whilst seeing various Japanese historical figures like Oda Nobunaga, good/evil yokai, and all sorts of lovely things. I really enjoy the care that the developers--at least seemed--to put into the cultural themes, and the raw action of fighting yokai, samurai, shinobi, onmyo practitioners, warrior monks, "yokai slayers", and more. The story itself may not always be the most coherent as far as plot structure goes, but the game brings plenty of fun experiences and themes in my opinion. As an anime fan, it's also nice to see something other than anime represent that stuff for once.
    (It's similar to Dark Souls, but also based on Ninja Gaiden, another Koei Tecmo action game.)

    • @crowdemon_archives
      @crowdemon_archives 2 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      Nioh 1 and 2 skim on actual Japanese history with some fantastic directions, but the people depicted are hella badass, no matter which side they're on.
      Also what's more interesting is the depiction of Yokais being closer to the classical arts yet visually they're able to exist together in the world without looking out of place. The art direction is very cohesive.

    • @shampaghosh1241
      @shampaghosh1241 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Nurarihyon no Mago is one of my favorite anime!! I'm so happy to see others talking about it it too!😭 I hardly see people mentioning it. It had some of the best yokai representation in anime! I miss it soo much 😔

  • @isabeldegomez2248
    @isabeldegomez2248 3 หลายเดือนก่อน

    So well presented ❤ i really learned something from you today 🙏

  • @itsscott1813
    @itsscott1813 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    I am enjoying your work! Thank you!

  • @Llewellyn2844
    @Llewellyn2844 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    This video is EXACTLY what I was looking for.
    Thank you very much.

  • @margooka1963
    @margooka1963 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    thanks for the informative video !

  • @NegiTaiMetal011
    @NegiTaiMetal011 3 ปีที่แล้ว +31

    I remember watching Princess Mononoke in my college. It's sure fun and memorable.
    I also get to know these that have yokai in them: Inuyasha, Nura Rise of the Yokai Clan, Omamori Himari, and Shonen Onmyouji.

    • @Varies16
      @Varies16 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      I recommend you watching also Spirited Away!

  • @pyrosinugami
    @pyrosinugami 3 ปีที่แล้ว +20

    Very informative I was also under the impression that Onryō could also be generated from a living beings kind of like a poltergeist which are said to also show up even if people are alive due to a stressful or abusive situations sometimes even overly active or stressed out adolescents can cause them as well

    • @Jumpoable
      @Jumpoable 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Yes very true.

    • @Meta_Meech
      @Meta_Meech 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      No an Onryo is basically the violent variation of a Yurie. That’s Kayako from Ju-on the Grudge is

  • @Ray-di4xq
    @Ray-di4xq 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    The way shogo explains it so smoothly..! I love you shogo please make more videos about Japan!

  • @laurabustos6560
    @laurabustos6560 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Another great video!! But like others who've commented, it'd be nice to see a second part with Ayakashi, Yasha/ Yaksha and others that aren't mentioned as much.

    • @danielantony1882
      @danielantony1882 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      Never heard about Yasha and Yaksha tbh.

  • @ahirudesu
    @ahirudesu 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Very informative! Never knew this, thank you

  • @TheLillasol
    @TheLillasol 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    This was so interesting. Thank you!⛩

  • @eepyJay
    @eepyJay 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    I had no idea! VERY interesting! Thanks for the lesson, Shogo!

  • @jillbailey7311
    @jillbailey7311 3 ปีที่แล้ว +16

    I’ve just found your channel and now I’m binge watching all your videos 💜💜💜💜💜🇬🇧🇬🇧💜💜💜💜💜

    • @lordvmm6076
      @lordvmm6076 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Same, i discovered his Chanel 4 months ago and I've been obsessed with his content 🇩🇰 🇩🇰

    • @bellinghamcharles4485
      @bellinghamcharles4485 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      Hey

  • @MarkFromHawaii
    @MarkFromHawaii 2 ปีที่แล้ว +8

    In Hawaii, Japanese as well as folks from other cultures call ghosts "obake". There are also "hitodama" which are described as fire balls - flying orbs of light.

  • @trkimura
    @trkimura 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I would love it if you covered more videos like this! ♥️♥️♥️

  • @zac8033
    @zac8033 7 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Great video, thank you!

  • @naotoudagawa6207
    @naotoudagawa6207 3 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    I love you and your vids. Thank you

  • @CaptainPhen
    @CaptainPhen 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Just found your channel. Subbed, very entertaining and informative!

  • @ninjasword2352
    @ninjasword2352 8 หลายเดือนก่อน

    cool I love your channel. And love listening to these story's.

  • @WeyounSix
    @WeyounSix 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    i enjoy how you change your pronunciation of yokai depending on whether you are speaking japanese or english, very nice

  • @wiccabessa
    @wiccabessa 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Dude I waited so long for this😍😍😍😍😍

  • @mimisheean6648
    @mimisheean6648 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Awesome as usual!

  • @GreatSmithanon
    @GreatSmithanon 3 ปีที่แล้ว +40

    I find it very interesting how many parallels there are with Shinto beliefs and Pagan Celtic beliefs. Similar ideas on the soul, animism, etc, and yet at opposite ends of the world as it was understood until the discovery of the Americas.

    • @chickensandwich8808
      @chickensandwich8808 2 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      I think the same. The ideas behind the Yōkai and the Sidhe are similar from an animist aspect. Animism itself is nothing unique I'm human history, but the similarity between Japanese Shinto folklore and Celtic Pagan folklore is uncanny. But not with some underlying reason other than coincidence. It's still fascinating and a neat way to bridge cultures that otherwise may find it difficult to identify with each other.

  • @cormoranoimperatore8413
    @cormoranoimperatore8413 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Hi I have recently discovered your channel and it has been pretty interesting so far! I’m fascinated by Japanese culture and folklore, as well the social problems which make me feel quite bad about Japanese people who suffer from them, so your channel is very helpful in learning more about this all. I did a few research on yokai myself after watching “Mononoke” (not the princess, just “Mononoke”) which portrays some horror stories with different types of Mononoke that get “exorcized” as protagonists and I was wondering how accurate the depictions might have been due to contradictions or infos I couldn’t find when I did my research, so could you look into it please? Or just talk some more about yokai and other traditional Japanese mythological creatures and stories? I don’t want to tell you to do what I want or to be mean obviously I just thought they might be nice video ideas and I’d enjoy watching them, either way thank you for what you do!

  • @The.Mr.JBiggs
    @The.Mr.JBiggs 2 ปีที่แล้ว +8

    I'd like to hear Shogo run through some of the more famous yokai and yurei stories. Particularly any that are specific to the Kyoto region

  • @yuar7926
    @yuar7926 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Thank for your video!

  • @lennarthoekveen9339
    @lennarthoekveen9339 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    I love this channel!

  • @TylerJC1212
    @TylerJC1212 ปีที่แล้ว

    Great video, mate

  • @Meidoyasha
    @Meidoyasha 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Great video a lot of ppl needed this

  • @mare-trending7332
    @mare-trending7332 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Hi Shogo, good day to you. I am Win and I am one of your newest subscriber here in Manila Philippines. So far I've already watched most of your videos and i must say it is very interesting, informative, well explained. Thou i have some few Japanese friends still i am not very much immerse in your culture. Thanks to you i was able to know and understand clearly the traditions and culture of the Japanese people. I hope you could have insights about the Japan and Philippines international relationship. Keep up the good work and i am ready for your next video.

  • @Misakimori_NM
    @Misakimori_NM 3 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    after joining Touhou fandom for 8 months, finally i understand Youkai history and what are they after watching your video, thank you shogo!

  • @danae5578
    @danae5578 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Lots of words here to learn.
    Great video!

  • @frons79
    @frons79 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    I just finished watching the Amazon TV series The Terror - Infamy (HIGHLY suggested!) and your video helped me to understand more the Yurei, what they are and how they are perceived.

  • @archiebalidoy948
    @archiebalidoy948 2 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    Thank you so much, Because of you're burning passion and desire to share Japan to us, Watching you're video makes me feel like im being toured to Japan 😊💖 Honto ni Arigato 😊💖

  • @ChainedThoughts
    @ChainedThoughts 3 ปีที่แล้ว +23

    NATSUME YUUJINCHOU. YEEEESS.
    I had somehow guessed that Yokai and Yurei were very different. So Ayakashii is more Yokai? I heard that Kyoto is the centre of Ayakashii and Onmyouji in the past.

    • @rinatail7248
      @rinatail7248 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      I've been wondering what ayakashi are, as well. I was hoping it would be explained in the video...

    • @Meimoons
      @Meimoons 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      Yesss someone who also knows about Natsume Yuujinchou!

    • @ChainedThoughts
      @ChainedThoughts 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@Meimoons Comrade!! *^*

  • @KatrinaRainsong
    @KatrinaRainsong 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    I really enjoyed this one! Can you please talk about kitsune?

  • @ungaikyoprod.4727
    @ungaikyoprod.4727 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Very interesting video !

  • @mckayla5747
    @mckayla5747 11 หลายเดือนก่อน

    ive been getting into japanese folklore and you explain things so well!!! thank you

  • @traeandrepowell9348
    @traeandrepowell9348 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Great and informative
    Thank you for your knowledge!!!!👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾

  • @zenaneah
    @zenaneah 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    ooohhhh thank you for the lesson sensei!
    That is really lesson, and you are right, Idid appreciate anime more and their concept. As i study Japanese, I have to agree, some translations are just really lost in what is correctly being said.

  • @eragonnici
    @eragonnici 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    A very interesting video!
    I always thought that Yokai and Yurai are the same, but thanks to you i know that better now=)

  • @FranciscoAssis-ui3cv
    @FranciscoAssis-ui3cv 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Can you talk about shinigami? I love your videos!

  • @jodieg6318
    @jodieg6318 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Folklore has been my jam for years but I have just started to study folklore from different Asian countries so thanks so much for the primer on Japanese spirits and creatures, even getting down to the etymology that has so much to do with the understanding of it all. You rock :)

  • @jessica2575
    @jessica2575 3 ปีที่แล้ว +7

    ありがとうございます。おもしろかったです。

  • @senpafl4405
    @senpafl4405 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Just sent off my Bachelors Thesis that describes the influences of Kaidan and Yūrei (and western horror elements) in Suzuki Kōjis Ringu and then you come along with this video.
    これは吉兆でしょう。ありがとうございますよ^^

    • @Jordan-inJapan
      @Jordan-inJapan 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      That is the coolest thesis topic ever. うらやましい!

  • @Kushina947
    @Kushina947 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Thank you so much for this video!!
    どうもありがとうございます。

  • @autumngalix4616
    @autumngalix4616 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Thabk you for clearing that up!

  • @Dreikoo
    @Dreikoo 2 ปีที่แล้ว +71

    I always translated yokai as "traditional folklore monsters". You know like the boogieman or something like that.
    Also one of my pet peeves is when they translate Oni as demons, when it's actually Ogre that fits the best.

    • @danielantony1882
      @danielantony1882 2 ปีที่แล้ว +8

      Ogre doesn't really fit Imo. Oni are the in-between of Demons and Ogres. Cuz they're not just clumsy Ogres. They're pretty demonic and smart. That's why they created the 魔 Kanji, to define the Magical Evil of Oni.

    • @blackknightjack3850
      @blackknightjack3850 ปีที่แล้ว

      No, it actually is demons that fit and the most common depictions just tend to be the kanabo-wielding ogres. It's really hard to tell sometimes, but there are various yokai that can also be considered oni. For instance, amanojaku (Whom I'm sure you know about because of the Ghost Stories dub) is considered a type of oni. What I want to know is what pigeonholes a yokai as specifically an oni. At best what I can tell is that oni are creatures that tend to be native to one of the Buddhist hells, but can appear in the human realm if an especially evil person turns into one.

    • @Dreikoo
      @Dreikoo ปีที่แล้ว

      @@blackknightjack3850
      Demons are more about pure evil and corruption, oni, while savage are more like wild beasts and you can sort of come to an accord with them that will allow you to coexist, their entire reason for being isn't literally making you suffer or bringing you down from the path of virtue in some way.
      And no, I know of Amanojyaku from Urotsukidouji, I am a man of culture.

  • @user-hr9zt2dm6v
    @user-hr9zt2dm6v 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    So interesting! thank you:)

  • @taylordavison6849
    @taylordavison6849 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Onryo are my favorite of Japanese stories. I think the distinction between the three yurei you've mentioned is that obake are ghosts that hit the uncanny valley hard, mononoke are spirits with grievances against indirect slights, and onryo are spirits who've returned to settle a score between them and the person who directly wronged them. Also, I'd like to thank Ghostwire Tokyo for helping me find the distinction between Yokai and Yurei, and of course you as well, Shogo.

  • @NatureFactsDesk
    @NatureFactsDesk 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    That list of yokai you gave really reminded me of the game Nioh, as all seven of them are in Nioh. I guess because those yokai myths are common in old Japan, and that is what that game focuses on.

  • @janicebrabec176
    @janicebrabec176 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Thank you very much for the interesting and informative video! I love Inuyasha, Fukigenna Mononokean, and Kakuriyo no Yadomeshi. Soooooooo many Youkai!!!😁💖👍

  • @user-xc1rk4iz8e
    @user-xc1rk4iz8e 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    I'm so greatfull for your work!

  • @danteopen
    @danteopen 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I remember watching the grudge movies it still scares me till this Day😂 i am learning alot from you're video's ✌️😁 Mutch respect from oranda 🇳🇱!!!

  • @yousefshahin2654
    @yousefshahin2654 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Greetings, Shogo, I would like to ask if you can make a Q&A (Qustion and Answer).

  • @japanontology
    @japanontology ปีที่แล้ว

    Thank you for your hard work! Great video...from Japanontology

  • @Sheherat
    @Sheherat 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    No way! I kinda knew yokai was in a way a genre of it's own regarding mythology but I'm thrilled to hear I fit the description as well! It's so nice to fit in 😊
    I'm just kidding of course but my name really is Chimera.