【Yōkai vs. Ghosts】What’s the Difference? The Fascinating and Frightening World of ‘Obake’

From classic picture books to popular animations, ghosts and “yōkai” (Japanese supernatural creatures) have always been popular in Japanese culture, attracting audiences both young and old. When it comes to yōkai-themed anime, titles like GeGeGe no Kitaro and Yo-kai Watch are well-known. In our family, the current favorite series for my children is the Obake Zukan (Ghost Picture Book) series. For children, yōkai and ghosts can be less about fear and more about fascination. So, as summer approaches—a season traditionally associated with ghost stories in Japan—let’s explore the unique qualities, historical background, and some well-known yōkai that have shaped Japanese folklore over the centuries.

What Are the Differences Between Ghosts, Yōkai, and “Obake”?

In Japan, summer is synonymous with ghost stories and strange tales meant to give a pleasant chill in the heat. However, the entities in these stories vary, from ghosts and spirits to the mysterious creatures known as yōkai. Yōkai are supernatural beings or phenomena that lie beyond human understanding and often appear as otherworldly or mystical creatures with inexplicable powers. In literature, they’re sometimes called “ayakashi” or “mononoke” (phenomena or things that appear in odd or frightful forms). Yōkai are typically creatures or objects that have transformed or taken on supernatural qualities. Unlike ghosts, they don’t appear due to any lingering regret but are believed to haunt specific places or roam freely, sometimes creating mischief or frightening people without specific intent.

In ancient Japanese belief, it was thought that spirits inhabited all things in nature. Natural disasters and strange occurrences were often seen as the work of beings beyond human comprehension. These otherworldly figures were regarded with both fear and respect, as seen in Japanese folklore and literature. For instance, some of Japan’s most iconic creatures—oni (demons), kappa (water creatures), and tengu (mountain goblins)—are known as the “Three Great Yōkai of Japan.” These entities often appear at “twilight,” which was once referred to as “tasogare,” meaning a time when it’s too dim to recognize a person, sparking the question, “Who is that?” and evoking a sense of mystery. This time of day is also known as “omagatoki,” or “the hour of meeting monsters.”

• Common Places of Encounter: Mountains, rivers, seasides, old mansions
• Common Time of Appearance: Twilight (around 5-7 p.m., when it starts to get dark)

The Role of Ghosts and Yōkai in Japanese Culture: What’s the Difference?

In popular imagination, “obake” is a broad term for supernatural beings that includes both ghosts and yōkai. However, ghosts have their own distinct identity in Japanese tradition. Known as yūrei in Japanese, ghosts are usually spirits of the deceased who, due to lingering attachments or regrets, cannot pass on to the afterlife. They are thought to appear in the same form they had in life, with familiar characteristics. The classic depiction of a yūrei includes the shiroshōzoku (white funeral attire) with a triangular white cloth on the forehead, a spectral figure with no legs, such as in the tale of Oiwa from the famous Yotsuya Kaidan (The Ghost Story of Yotsuya). Yūrei are said to appear around the “hour of the ox” (2:00 to 2:30 a.m.), a time associated with spirits because of its dark, foreboding energy and its alignment with the direction of “kimon” (the “demon’s gate”) in East Asian cosmology.

• Common Places of Encounter: Places or with people with whom they have strong connections
• Common Time of Appearance: The “hour of the ox” (2:00-2:30 a.m.)

A Brief History of Yōkai in Japan

The origins of yōkai can be traced back to Japan’s oldest historical texts, Kojiki (Records of Ancient Matters) and Nihon Shoki (Chronicles of Japan), which date from the Nara period (710-794). In these texts, figures like the eight-headed serpent Yamata no Orochi and oni (demons) appear as fearsome beings, often associated with gods who have fallen or become corrupted. In some cases, these supernatural beings were even worshipped in shrines, showing the complex relationship between deities and yōkai. During the Heian period (794-1185), Konjaku Monogatari (Tales of Times Now Past) included many folktales featuring mysterious phenomena, further embedding yōkai in Japanese storytelling.

By the medieval period (Kamakura to Muromachi periods, 1185-1573), illustrated yōkai scrolls appeared, making these once-abstract creatures visible. One famous scroll, Hyakki Yagyō (Night Parade of One Hundred Demons), depicted a procession of yōkai, symbolizing the surreal world of these beings.

During the Edo period (1603-1868), yōkai became popular figures in ukiyo-e (woodblock prints) and illustrated books. Rather than simply being fearsome, many yōkai were rendered with a sense of humor, transforming them into beloved cultural characters. Through these depictions, the modern image of yōkai as both eerie and endearing began to take shape.

Iconic Yōkai in Japanese Culture

Here are some of the most iconic yōkai in Japanese folklore:

• Oni (Demons): Known for their terrifying appearance, oni have horns, tusks, and colorful red or blue skin, often wielding large iron clubs. Influenced by Buddhist depictions of hell, they’re sometimes depicted as guardians of the underworld.
• Kappa: Mischievous water creatures with green skin, webbed limbs, and a water-filled dish on their head. If this dish dries out, they lose their strength or even die. Known for their tricks, they often challenge humans to sumo wrestling matches near water and, if they win, steal their opponent’s “shirikodama” (a mythical organ said to reside in the rectum).
• Tengu: Tengu are mountain-dwelling yōkai with long noses and red faces, often depicted with wings or feathered fans. Originating from Chinese mythology, they merged with Japanese beliefs and became associated with forest spirits or even teachers of martial arts, like in the famous tale of Kurama Tengu teaching skills to the warrior Minamoto no Yoshitsune.

The Influence of Yōkai and Ghosts on Japanese Performing Arts

By the Edo period, ghosts and yōkai had entered the realm of kabuki and other theatrical arts, taking central roles in plays and eventually becoming famous through works like Ugetsu Monogatari (Tales of Moonlight and Rain) and Yotsuya Kaidan. These ghost stories grew immensely popular, with performances centered on ghostly tales becoming a staple in Japanese culture. Visual arts also embraced these themes, as seen in ukiyo-e and ink paintings of the time. The Edo period artist Maruyama Ōkyo’s ghost paintings, featuring a pale, disheveled woman in a white kimono with no feet, helped define the archetype of the “legless ghost,” an image that remains iconic today.

Yōkai in Modern Culture: The Return of Amabie

Recently, yōkai have continued to find their place in popular culture. The yōkai known as Amabie, for instance, has seen a resurgence in interest, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. Amabie, depicted as a half-human, half-fish creature with a beak, was said to have appeared off the coast of Kumamoto during the Edo period, predicting six years of bountiful harvests and advising people to show its image to ward off illness. During the pandemic, Amabie became a symbol of hope and protection against disease, circulating widely on social media and in merchandise as a modern-day talisman.

Through centuries of art, literature, and performance, yōkai and ghosts have remained integral to Japan’s rich cultural tapestry. They continue to inspire curiosity, fear, and even affection, serving as bridges between the natural and supernatural, the known and unknown. The fascination with these beings remains as strong as ever, blending tradition with contemporary storytelling and offering a unique glimpse into Japan’s mysterious world of spirits and monsters.