Japan’s folklore is filled with mysterious supernatural beings, and the Japanese demon stands at the center of these legends. Known as Yokai and Oni, these spirits appear in powerful stories as terrifying monsters, dangerous tricksters, and sometimes protective guardians. Popular Japanese demon names like Raijin (thunder demon), Fujin (wind demon), and Yuki-onna (snow spirit) show how nature, fear, and power come together in mythology.
Many famous Yokai such as Hannya, the jealous female demon, Kappa, the mischievous river creature, and Tengu, the crow-like mountain spirit, represent deep human emotions and life lessons. A Japanese demon can reflect anger, greed, jealousy, or even bravery and protection, making these characters meaningful rather than just scary.
This guide explores the most iconic Japanese demon names with their meanings, so you can better understand their stories, unique abilities, and their lasting influence on Japanese culture, anime, movies, and games.
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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Cool Japanese Demon Names
- Raijin – Thunder demon
- Fujin – Wind demon
- Shuten-dōji – Legendary Oni leader
- Tengu – Fierce crow demon
- Hannya – Vengeful demon woman
- Yuki-onna – Ice and snow spirit
- Nue – Chimera-like disaster Yokai
- Raijū – Lightning beast
- Ibaraki-dōji – Ruthless Oni warrior
- Kasha – Fiery corpse-stealing demon
- Yamata no Orochi – Eight-headed serpent demon
- Kurama Tengu – Mountain demon lord
- Kappa – Deadly water spirit
- Jorōgumo – Spider demon woman
- Namahage – Demon who punishes bad behavior
- Onryō – Vengeful ghost demon
- Tsuchigumo – Earth spider monster
- Oni – Classic horned demon
- Karasu Tengu – Crow-winged demon
- Gashadokuro – Giant skeleton demon
- Tenome – Demon with eyes on its hands
- Umi-bōzu – Sea-lurking demon
- Daitengu – High-ranking Tengu
- Enenra – Smoke demon
- Kubikajiri – Neck-eating demon
- Hyakume – Hundred-eyed Yokai
- Basan – Fire-breathing chicken demon
- Kamaitachi – Sickle-clawed weasel demons
- Yatagarasu – Three-legged crow spirit
- Nurarihyon – Leader of the Yokai
- Shinchu – Possession insect demon
- Yasha – Forest demon spirit
- Raiden – Storm-commanding demon god
- Hakaimushi – Demon of destruction
- Fūjin – Storm wind demon
- Jingō-kōkai – Sea-storm demon
- Taka-oni – Tall mountain demon
- Aka Manto – Red-cloaked toilet ghost
- Mekurabe – Staring skull pile demon
- Wanyūdō – Flaming wheel demon
- Nure-onna – Snake-woman river demon
- Rokurokubi – Night-stalking long-neck demon
- Tsuchikorobi – Rolling earth demon
- Sankai – Birth-curse demon
Japanese Demon Names Male
- Shuten-dōji – Legendary Oni king
- Ibaraki-dōji – Fierce warrior Oni
- Nurarihyon – Yokai commander, sly leader
- Aka Manto – Red-cloaked haunting spirit
- Onmoraki – Darkness-born bird demon
- Wanyūdō – Flaming wheel demon
- Sagari – Hanging horse-head spirit
- Goryō – Angry noble demon spirit
- Tsuchigumo – Male earth spider monster
- Amanojaku – Rebellious trickster demon
- Dokuro – Bone demon with cursed power
- Inugami – Dog demon used in dark magic
- Oniwaka – Young, ruthless Oni fighter
- Raijin – Thunder demon god
- Fūjin – Male wind demon god
- Raijū – Thunder-beast demon companion
- Kama-baba – Demon of boiling pots
- Hiruko – Deformed demon child deity
- Shikigami – Spirit servant summoned by sorcerers
- Chōchin-obake – Lantern demon, male form
- Enenra – Male smoke demon
- Tesso – Iron rat Yokai
- Yamabiko – Echo spirit demon
- Tsuchikorobi – Rolling earth monster
- Okuri-inu – Stalking escort demon dog
- Jikininki – Corpse-eating spirit
- Bakuo – Dream-devouring demon lord
- Ryūjin – Sea dragon demon king
- Kudan – Prophecy-giving male demon
- Nuppeppō – Male flesh spirit oozing from shadows
- Mujina – Badger-like shapeshifter demon
- Mezu – Underworld demon guard
- Gozu – Ox-headed demon of hell
- Suiko – Aggressive water demon
- Akaname – Filth-licking bathroom demon (male form)
- Mizuchi – Water dragon demon spirit
- Yōkai Tarō – Male Yokai warrior
- Futakuchi-otoko – Two-mouthed male Yokai
- Kasha-otoko – Fire-cart male corpse snatcher
- Heikegani – War-crab demon spirit
- Hashihime (male variant) – Transforming jealous demon
- Jorōgumo-no-Otoko – Spider demon male form
Japanese Demon Names Female
- Hannya – Jealous, vengeful demon woman
- Jorōgumo – Seductive spider woman
- Yuki-onna – Deadly snow woman spirit
- Nure-onna – Snake-woman by rivers
- Yasha-onna – Female forest demon
- Kijo – Female Oni with immense power
- Rokurokubi (female type) – Long-neck transforming woman
- Ubume – Ghost mother who protects children
- Taka-onna – Tall woman Yokai, climbs buildings
- Harionago – Barbed-hair demon girl
- Onibaba – Demon hag who devours humans
- Hone-onna – Skeleton woman disguised as beauty
- Kuchisake-onna – Terrifying slit-mouthed woman
- Futakuchi-onna – Two-mouthed woman Yokai
- Suzuhiko-hime – Bell-helmeted demoness
- Ao-nyobo – Blue-faced court lady ghost
- Kuro-onna – Shadow demon woman in black
- Kosode-no-te – Haunted kimono sleeve spirit
- Shirime-hime – Strange Yokai woman with an eye behind
- Tsuchigumo-hime – Female earth-spider demon
- Kijo-hime – Oni princess with dark magic
- Maga-onna – Evil woman who curses men
- Yūrei-onna – Traditional ghost woman
- Goryo-hime – Noblewoman vengeful spirit
- Hagoromo-onna – Heavenly robe woman spirit
- Noppera-onna – Faceless female ghost
- Basan-onna – Female fire-breathing bird spirit
- Oiwa – Famous vengeful ghost from Japanese lore
- Okiku – Ghost of a wronged maid
- Hidarugami-onna – Hunger demon woman
- Kurozuka – Mountain demoness in black
- Yamauba – Witch-like mountain hag
- Shiryō-hime – Dead princess turned spirit
- Kawa-onna – River-haunting demon woman
- Kagi-onna – Woman who enters homes through cracks or keyholes
- Jubokko-onna – Tree demon draining blood
- Ningyo-hime – Cursed mermaid-like demon princess
- Kasane – Ghost woman seeking revenge
- Otsuyu – Whispering lantern ghost woman
- Otsue-onna – Demon woman from old paintings
- Kejo-onna – Beauty-stealing demon
- Mujō-hime – Princess spirit of cruel destiny
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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
Exploring Japanese Demon Names reveals a fascinating world of Yokai and Oni, each representing emotions, fears, and powerful forces of nature. These legendary beings continue to influence anime, manga, and modern storytelling, proving how strongly they remain a part of Japan’s culture. Whether you enjoy mythology or are simply curious, learning about Japanese Demon Names offers a fun and meaningful way to discover Japan’s rich folklore and creative imagination.
