Hidden from the West for centuries, Japanese culture and their belief in ghosts, demonic, or benevolent beings has made its way into American popular culture. From films, manga stories, video games, or your favorite anime, these supernatural beings have an origin in ancient beliefs- many a product of Shinto tradition. The word Yokai refers to any paranormal embodiment- from elemental beings, animal spirits, haunted objects, demons and even ghosts. We plan to provide an overview into this fascinating and mysterious topic. Part 1: Introduction: What is a Yokai? How do they differ from paranormal beliefs in Western culture? Discussion of the origins and folkloric tradition. Part 2: Overview of well-known Yokai by region with traditional woodcuts and images: Oni, Tengu, Kappa, Amabie, Kyubi No Kitsune, etc. with an introduction into Yurei - Japanese ghosts. Part 3: Types of Yurei (Japanese ghosts). Legendary Yurei: Yuki-onna- snow woman, Gashadokuro- skeleton of battlefield ghosts, Yamauba- mountain witch, Kuchisake-onna- slit mouth woman, Chochin Obake- paper lantern ghost, Tsukumogami- object turned into spirit. Modern ghosts: Aokigahara (Suicide Forest) and the haunting of Fukushima Daiichi, the city of ghosts- where on March 11, 2011, a massive earthquake resulted in a tsunami that took 19,729 souls-with ghostly video & images. Part 4: Pop Culture- the Yokai invasion in films, games, books and anime (slides traditional vs film). Interested in Yokai? Here is how to learn more | | |