Japanese mythology is rich and fascinating, especially when it comes to demons, known as Yokai and Oni. These beings often play important roles in stories and are usually seen as scary or evil. Some famous demons include Raijin (the thunder demon), Fujin (the wind demon), and Yuki-onna (the chilling snow woman).
One well-known figure is Hannya, a jealous female spirit. Others, like Kappa, the mischievous water imp, and Tengu, the playful crow demon, are equally intriguing. These creatures not only possess magical powers but also serve as lessons about human emotions and the consequences of not managing them properly.
Many of these demons are tied to nature and traditional Japanese beliefs, which help shape their unique personalities and stories. In this article, I’ll introduce you to some of the most well-known demon names, along with their descriptions, so you can understand their roles and powers better.
Japanese demon names with their meaning
Popular Yokai and Oni Names
- Aka Manto – Red Cloak spirit, haunts bathrooms.
- Ame-onna – Rain woman, brings rain.
- Aoandon – Blue lantern ghost, linked to ghost stories.
- Bakeneko – Shape-shifting cat.
- Baku – Dream eater.
- Gashadokuro – Giant skeleton that preys on the living.
- Hannya – Vengeful female spirit.
- Hōō – Demon bird that brings misfortune.
- Futakuchi-onna – Two-mouthed woman.
- Ibaraki-doji – Oni associated with Rashomon Gate.
- Jorogumo – Spider woman who preys on men.
- Kama-itachi – Weasel demon with sickle-like claws.
- Kappa – Water imp.
- Karasu Tengu – Crow demon.
- Kasha – Fire cart demon, steals corpses.
- Kitsune – Fox spirit, sometimes benevolent or trickster.
- Kuchisake-onna – Slit-mouthed woman.
- Kyōkotsu – Skeleton emerging from wells.
- Mokumokuren – Eyes appearing in torn paper screens.
- Namahage – Demon that scares lazy children.
- Noppera-bo – Faceless ghost.
- Nurarihyon – Leader of the Yokai.
- Nurikabe – Wall spirit blocking travelers.
- Oni – Generic term for demons.
- Onryo – Vengeful spirit.
- Raijin – Thunder god/demon.
- Rokurokubi – Woman whose neck stretches at night.
- Shuten-doji – Famous Oni leader.
- Suzuhiko-hime – Bell-helmeted Yokai.
- Tengu – Mountain demon.
- Tenome – Yokai with eyes on its hands.
- Tesso – Iron rat demon.
- Umi-bozu – Sea spirit that wrecks ships.
- Ubume – Spirit of a mother who died in childbirth.
- Yuki-onna – Snow woman.
- Yurei – Generic term for ghost.
- Zashiki-warashi – Childlike Yokai bringing good fortune.
- Yamabiko – Spirit echoing mountain sounds.
- Okiku – Ghost of a betrayed maid.
- Chochin-obake – Haunted paper lantern.
- Inugami – Dog spirit, often summoned for curses.
- Tsuchigumo – Earth spider.
- Jikininki – Corpse-eating demon.
- Ubume – Maternal spirit caring for her child.
- Shirime – Yokai with an eye on its buttocks.
- Harionago – Woman with barbed hair.
- Hitotsume-kozō – One-eyed child Yokai.
- Taka-onna – Tall woman Yokai.
- Enenra – Smoke spirit.
- Hyosube – Mischievous river-dwelling Yokai.
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Elemental and Natural Spirits
- Akuma – Evil spirit.
- Arikura-no-baba – Yokai of old women in the mountains.
- Funayurei – Ghosts of people who died at sea.
- Inugami – Dog deity used for revenge.
- Ao nyobo – Blue-faced ghostly servant.
- Aonyobo – Ghost of a court lady.
- Fūri – Wind demon.
- Kiryū – Spirit of mist and fog.
- Hokurobake – Mole Yokai.
- Shikigami – Spirit familiar under control.
- Sunakake-baba – Sand-throwing hag.
- Ubume – Spirit of a dead mother.
- Kanashibari – Sleep paralysis demon.
- Kosode-no-te – Haunted kimono sleeve.
- Misaki – Wandering spirit.
- Amefurashi – Yokai that brings rain.
- Otokoyo – Child Yokai inviting others to games.
- Karyobinga – Birdlike celestial beings.
- Tōfu-kozō – Yokai carrying tofu.
- Funa-yurei – Ghostly sailor spirit.
- Keukegen – Disease-bringing spirit.
- Tsukumogami – Inanimate objects that gain spirit after 100 years.
- Yamawarawa – Forest child Yokai.
- Shiranui – Mysterious fireballs over water.
- Bakezori – Haunted straw sandals.
- Tanuki – Shape-shifting raccoon dog.
- Ubume – Maternal ghost looking for her child.
- Aobozu – Blue monk ghost.
- Noppera-bo – Faceless ghost.
- Goryo – Vengeful aristocratic spirit.
- Goryo – Revenge-driven noble spirits.
- Akaname – Licks filth in bathrooms.
- Abura-akago – Fire-starting spirit in a baby’s form.
- Yatagarasu – Three-legged crow symbolizing guidance.
- Nue – Chimera-like beast bringing disaster.
- Kameosa – Spirit in a sake jar.
- Rokurokubi – Long-necked woman Yokai.
- Jinmenju – Tree bearing human-faced fruits.
- Obake – General term for shapeshifting Yokai.
- Kuraokami – Water deity.
- Ōnamazu – Catfish causing earthquakes.
- Taka-onna – Stilt Yokai in mountainous regions.
- Ikiryō – Living spirit detaching from the body.
- Kyōrinrin – Spirit formed from scrolls or books.
- Furaribi – Wandering flame Yokai.
- Hitodama – Human soul or spirit in flame form.
- Tenjōname – Ceiling-licking ghost.
- Kojin – Deity of fire and hearth.
- Konaki-jiji – Old man who cries like a baby.
- Ashiarai Yashiki – Giant foot spirit.
Mischievous and Unique Spirits
- Ashinaga-tenaga – Long-legged and long-armed Yokai pair.
- Chin Chin Kobakama – Spirit appearing from old brooms.
- Haijo – Yokai of unusual items.
- Yurei – General term for ghosts.
- Sagari – Yokai horse-head in forests.
- Zorigami – Clock spirits.
- Shussebora – Fish that transforms into a dragon.
- Shiranui – Phantom fire over water.
- Tsuchinoko – Snake-like Yokai.
- Uwan – Haunting voice in empty houses.
- Waira – Beast blocking mountain paths.
- Tengu – Mischievous demon bird.
- Dōnotsura – Monster with multiple faces.
- Bakekujira – Ghostly whale skeleton.
- Futakuchi-onna – Double-mouthed woman.
- Okuri-inu – Escorting dog.
- Ubume – Ghost of maternal women.
- Fūjin – Wind demon.
- Suzuhiko-hime – Bell-headed demoness.
- Kasha – Corpse-grabbing Yokai.
- Aobozu – Blue priest demon.
- Nurikabe – Invisible wall Yokai.
- Nure-onna – Snake-like woman Yokai.
- Hakaimushi – Spirit thriving on destruction.
- Tenome – Eyes on hands.
- Shōjō – Yokai fond of drinking.
- Hidarugami – Hunger spirit.
- . Shinchu – Possessor insect Yokai.
- Uwan – Wall spirit making sounds.
Unique and Lesser-Known Entities
- Taka-oni – Tall Oni warrior.
- Yamabiko – Mountain Echo Spirit.
- Hōkō – Dog tree spirit.
- Bakemono – Transforming phantom.
- Yasha – Female forest demon.
- Ungaikyō – Spirit of haunted mirrors.
- Obariyon – Spirit riding victim’s back.
- Futakuchi-onna – Two-mouthed Yokai.
- Shiranui – Sea fire Yokai.
- Yōseigami – Demon of trickery.
- Kubikajiri – Neck-eating ghost.
- Rokuroku-bi – Woman Yokai stretching neck.
- Basan – Chicken dragon Yokai.
- Nue – Chimera beast.
- Mekurabe – Skull piles gathering Yokai.
- Jorōgumo – Spider demon woman.
- Hebi – Snake spirit.
- Kijo – Female ogre spirit.
- Hyakume – 100-eyed demon.
- Kanshi – Soul-searching entity.
- Namazu – Earthquake-inducing catfish.
- Kama-baba – Pot-wielding hag.
- Raiju – Thunder beast Yokai.
- Yamabito – Mountain ghost Yokai.
- Sankai – Birth demon Yokai.
- Tsuchigumo – Earth-dwelling spider spirit.
- Kurage-no-Hime – Jellyfish princess Yokai.
- Goryo – Aristocrat vengeful specter.
- Kinoko-bake – Mushroom spirit Yokai.
- Hakamadare – Gravebound spirit.
- Tōfu-kozō – Tofu-carrying boy.
- Konjaku – Spirit-bound Yokai.
- Funayurei – Shipwreck ghost Yokai.
- Uwan – Old-school demon sound haunter.
- Noppera-bo – Faceless trick spirit.
- Yatōkame – Sea spirit guardian.
- Kuraokami – Rain dragon Yokai.
- Mekurabe – Animated skulls Yokai.
- Keukegen – Disease spirit.
- Azukiarai – Red bean washing ghost.
- Shiranui – Phantom lights on the sea.
- Yamabiko – Mountain echo demon.
- Yasha-onna – Forest demon woman.
- Hone-onna – Bone woman Yokai.
- Nure-onna – Wet woman Yokai by riverbanks.
- Raijū – Thunder beast Yokai.
- Akaname – Filth licker bathroom ghost.
- Tsuchikorobi – Demonic rolling earth.
- Yume Onna – Dream-realm Yokai woman.
- Wanyūdō – Hell cart wheel Yokai.
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FAQs
What Are Yokai?
Yokai are supernatural entities or spirits in Japanese folklore. They can range from mischievous tricksters to terrifying demons. Yokai often have unique abilities and are deeply rooted in Japanese culture, appearing in stories, art, and even modern media.
Are All Yokai Evil?
No, not all Yokai are evil. Some Yokai are considered protective or neutral, while others may be mischievous or dangerous. The behavior of a Yokai often depends on its type and the specific folklore associated with it.
How Do Yokai Influence Modern Japanese Culture?
Yokai continue to inspire modern Japanese culture, appearing in anime, manga, video games, and films. They also play a role in festivals, art, and literature, reflecting the enduring fascination with these mythical beings.
Conclusion
Japanese folklore is a treasure trove of fascinating stories, with Yokai and Oni playing a central role in shaping the culture’s mythological landscape. These supernatural beings range from fearsome demons to mischievous tricksters, each with its own unique traits and symbolic meanings. They not only entertain but also serve as reflections of human emotions, moral lessons, and the mysteries of nature.
Exploring the world of Yokai offers a deeper understanding of Japan’s rich cultural heritage, showing how ancient beliefs continue to influence modern art, literature, and entertainment. Whether you’re a folklore enthusiast or a curious learner, the tales of these demons provide an intriguing glimpse into the human imagination and its endless creativity.
