What is a Yokai? 15 Mysterious Japanese Demons | 台北市立動物園資訊網

2021年2月13日—Theyaretheembodimentofamoment:afeelingofdreadandbewilderment,oraweandwonderoveranextraordinaryevent;orastrangesound ...

Ijin are people from what is called Ikai, a world that is beyond our own. They are outsiders that have crossed the boundary that stands between two separate worlds, often to complete a task.

While there are many types of ijin, some pleasant and others malicious, most are said to be harmless. These types range from religious figures, to craftsmen, to beggars and pilgrims. The Daikokuten in this early, twentieth century painting, is an example of a benevolent ijin.

He is often described as the Japanese equivalent of the Hindu deity Mahakala, and as a god of wealth.

The painting above shows a typical expression of the Daikokuten, with his beaming smile and exaggerated, gigantic ears. He holds a golden mallet, which grants the child good fortune.

The yokai world is vast, and although it is becoming more popular than ever...