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Strange Japanese Yokai

A Guide to Weird and Wonderful Monsters, Demons and Spirits
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
Strange Japanese Yokai by Kenji Murakami is a captivating exploration of mysterious and mythical creatures from Japanese folklore. This graphic novel brings to life the enigmatic world of yokai, featuring a range of fascinating characters and their intriguing tales. Through vivid illustrations and engaging storytelling, readers are transported into a realm where the ordinary meets the supernatural.
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Format: Paperback / softback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

You might enjoy this book if you’re fascinated by Japanese folklore and appreciate visually engaging storytelling. It offers captivating illustrations and intriguing insights into the eerie and magical world of yokai, making it a delightful choice for those who love exploring mythical creatures through graphic novels.

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Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

Since time immemorial, Japan has been inhabited by supernatural creatures, spirits, monsters and demons... Here's your chance to meet them up close and personal!

Strange Japanese Yokai assembles an extraordinary collection of mysterious creatures in every possible shape and size, each with their own unique back story. Some are well-known, others obscure. The one thing they share in common is that they are creepy and weird!

The 122 different Yokai described in this book include:

  • The Kappa: A dangerous creature who lives in lakes and rivers and attacks passers-by.
  • The Nurarihyon: A mysterious Yokai with a huge head who steals food, tobacco and alcohol.
  • The Yadokai: A mischievous former monk who wanders at night vandalising and being a pest.
  • The Ohaguru: A scary Yokai with black teeth who looks like a beautiful woman from afar until she gets closer, smiles, and reveals herself.
  • And over 100 more!

Yokai expert Kenji Murakami identifies each Yokai, explains the history, where they commonly appear, and their strange powers. The book is illustrated with hundreds of full-colour drawings showcasing the fascinating features of these strange creatures. Every monster here, no matter how disgusting, is part of the rich cultural legacy of Japan.

Recommended for readers ages 14 & up

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Strange Japanese Yokai is praised for its intriguing exploration of Japanese folklore, offering readers an insightful glimpse into the culture through its colourful depiction of yokai. With chapters dedicated to various quirky and sometimes bizarre entities, the book effectively introduces significant cultural figures, proving essential for those interested in Japanese traditions and mythology.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9784805317235

Publisher: Tuttle Publishing

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 23 May 2023

Country: United States

Imprint: Tuttle Publishing

Illustration: over 150 color drawings

Contributors:

  • Translated by Zack Davisson

Audience: Teenage

DIMENSIONS

Width: 130.0mm

Height: 203.0mm

Weight: 369g

Pages: 192

About the Author

Kenji Murakami is a Yokai expert based in Japan. He travels throughout the country researching Yokai traditions. He has published many books on Yokai including the Dictionary of Yokai and the Encyclopedia of Japanese Yokai. He is a member of the World Yokai Association and a facilitator of the Haunted Friends Association. Zack Davisson is an award-winning translator, writer, and folklorist. He is the author of books like Kaibyo: The Supernatural Cats of Japan, Yurei: The Japanese Ghost, and Yokai Stories, and the translator of books like Soseki Natsume's I Am a Cat and Shigeru Mizuki's multiple Eisner Award-winning Showa: a History of Japan. In addition, his comic work includes Demon Days: X-Men from Marvel, Wayward from Image, and The Art of Star Wars Visions from Dark Horse. He has lectured on manga, folklore, and translation at numerous colleges and contributed to exhibitions at numerous museums. He currently lives in Seattle, WA with his wife Miyuki, dog Mochi, cat Shere Khan, and several ghosts.

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