Youkai: Difference between revisions
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Youkai are a widely-varied collection of various supernatural creatures that pop up in [[Useful Notes/Shinto|Shinto]] religion. They have a lot in common with [[The Fair Folk]]. Some youkai are good, others are evil, and many are [[Blue and Orange Morality|different]]. Some are mischievous, others avoid humans entirely. Shinto is an animist religion, and youkai are often associated with natural features such as forests and mountains. This word is often translated as "demon" in Western translations, but that does not adequately describe the creatures in question. The closest true Western equivalent is probably that of the ancient Roman [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Genius_(mythology) genii] or [[Our Spirits Are Different|spirits]]. |
Youkai are a widely-varied collection of various supernatural creatures that pop up in [[Useful Notes/Shinto|Shinto]] religion. They have a lot in common with [[The Fair Folk]]. Some youkai are good, others are evil, and many are [[Blue and Orange Morality|different]]. Some are mischievous, others avoid humans entirely. Shinto is an animist religion, and youkai are often associated with natural features such as forests and mountains. This word is often translated as "demon" in Western translations, but that does not adequately describe the creatures in question. The closest true Western equivalent is probably that of the ancient Roman [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Genius_(mythology) genii] or [[Our Spirits Are Different|spirits]]. |
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Supernatural creatures drawn from Western sources often turn out to seem more like youkai in Japanese works.<ref> Fun fact -- the Japanese word for vampire contains the character for oni.</ref> For instance, vampires. In the West you've got Nosferatu -- a grotesque, undead monster who burns in sunlight and murders to preserve his hideous unlife<ref>Notably, this may be used to refer both to the classic film character and to one of the clans in ''[[Vampire: The Masquerade (Tabletop Game)|Vampire: The Masquerade]]'', which features other kinds of vampires, with the same powers and weaknesses, but characteristics that set them apart into clans</ref>. In Japan you've got [[Cute Monster Girl|exceptionally cute]] [[Fan Service]] protagonist [[Rosario to Vampire|Moka Akashiya]], who is not undead, harbors no ill-will towards the sun, and drinks tiny amounts of blood that leave her "victim" light-headed at worst, but who has a [[Super |
Supernatural creatures drawn from Western sources often turn out to seem more like youkai in Japanese works.<ref> Fun fact -- the Japanese word for vampire contains the character for oni.</ref> For instance, vampires. In the West you've got Nosferatu -- a grotesque, undead monster who burns in sunlight and murders to preserve his hideous unlife<ref>Notably, this may be used to refer both to the classic film character and to one of the clans in ''[[Vampire: The Masquerade (Tabletop Game)|Vampire: The Masquerade]]'', which features other kinds of vampires, with the same powers and weaknesses, but characteristics that set them apart into clans</ref>. In Japan you've got [[Cute Monster Girl|exceptionally cute]] [[Fan Service]] protagonist [[Rosario to Vampire|Moka Akashiya]], who is not undead, harbors no ill-will towards the sun, and drinks tiny amounts of blood that leave her "victim" light-headed at worst, but who has a [[Super-Powered Evil Side]] who can (and will if you look at her the wrong way) kick your ass thoroughly. |
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''Henge'', a subset of youkai, are magical animals with [[Shapeshifting]] powers and human intelligence. They often [[Humanity Ensues|assume human form]] and get into all kinds of mischief. Kinds of ''henge'' include Kitsune, Tanuki, and Nekomata. |
''Henge'', a subset of youkai, are magical animals with [[Shapeshifting]] powers and human intelligence. They often [[Humanity Ensues|assume human form]] and get into all kinds of mischief. Kinds of ''henge'' include Kitsune, Tanuki, and Nekomata. |
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'''Nekomata''': A seemingly ordinary cat that develops magical nature through long life. It looks like an ordinary house cat, except for the tail, which splits into two at half-length. While much smarter than it used to be, a nekomata remains just as whimsical, which may be dangerous with its new found powers of illusion and [[Necromancy]]. It's said a cat will become a nekomata after turning 100 years old, where upon its tail splits, it starts using human speech, some how gains [[Voluntary Shapeshifting|transformation]] powers, a greater intelligence, and other [[Screw the Rules I Have Supernatural Powers|odd abilities]]. The name is often used and confused for [[Catgirl|catgirls]]. May be a [[Mega Neko]]. |
'''Nekomata''': A seemingly ordinary cat that develops magical nature through long life. It looks like an ordinary house cat, except for the tail, which splits into two at half-length. While much smarter than it used to be, a nekomata remains just as whimsical, which may be dangerous with its new found powers of illusion and [[Necromancy]]. It's said a cat will become a nekomata after turning 100 years old, where upon its tail splits, it starts using human speech, some how gains [[Voluntary Shapeshifting|transformation]] powers, a greater intelligence, and other [[Screw the Rules, I Have Supernatural Powers|odd abilities]]. The name is often used and confused for [[Catgirl|catgirls]]. May be a [[Mega Neko]]. |
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== Nekomata Examples == |
== Nekomata Examples == |
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* A common demon/Persona in the ''[[Shin Megami Tensei (Franchise)|Shin Megami Tensei]]'' franchise. |
* A common demon/Persona in the ''[[Shin Megami Tensei (Franchise)|Shin Megami Tensei]]'' franchise. |
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* One of the forms of the ''thing'' inside Touko's briefcase in ''[[Kara no Kyoukai (Literature)|Kara no Kyoukai]]''. |
* One of the forms of the ''thing'' inside Touko's briefcase in ''[[Kara no Kyoukai (Literature)|Kara no Kyoukai]]''. |
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* Jubei and {{spoiler|his daughter}} Kokonoe (a [[Catgirl]] version of this) in ''[[Blaz Blue]]'', although they're called 'Grimalkins' in-universe. Appropriately, the latter does bring people back from the dead, although since magic is commonplace in that world she uses science to keep the mysterious powers theme. [[Hollywood Cyborg|Iron]] [[Half |
* Jubei and {{spoiler|his daughter}} Kokonoe (a [[Catgirl]] version of this) in ''[[Blaz Blue]]'', although they're called 'Grimalkins' in-universe. Appropriately, the latter does bring people back from the dead, although since magic is commonplace in that world she uses science to keep the mysterious powers theme. [[Hollywood Cyborg|Iron]] [[Half-Human Hybrid|Tager]] is the result. |
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* In ''[[Mokke]]'', one episode centers around a nekomata. |
* In ''[[Mokke]]'', one episode centers around a nekomata. |
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* The X-Antibody version of Tailmon from ''[[Digimon]]'' is two-tailed. |
* The X-Antibody version of Tailmon from ''[[Digimon]]'' is two-tailed. |
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* There's a one volume manga called Tsukumo Happy Soul that involves tsukumogami. while some are fairly normal, the main character's tsukumogami is a pink vibrator she inherited from her mom that can turn into a boy. it is a bit ecchi, but it ran in a shonen magazine so it's more gag ecchi. |
* There's a one volume manga called Tsukumo Happy Soul that involves tsukumogami. while some are fairly normal, the main character's tsukumogami is a pink vibrator she inherited from her mom that can turn into a boy. it is a bit ecchi, but it ran in a shonen magazine so it's more gag ecchi. |
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* The Anthology ''[[Border Town]]'' contains the short story "Demon" which has a tsukumogami in the form of a teapot. |
* The Anthology ''[[Border Town]]'' contains the short story "Demon" which has a tsukumogami in the form of a teapot. |
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* This can be the only explanation for a good half of the [[So Bad |
* This can be the only explanation for a good half of the [[So Bad It's Good|monstrosities]] strewn throughout Steve Moraff's [http://bimshwel.com/renk/moraff/unforgiven.htm Dungeons of the Unforgiven]. |
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* ''[[Rosario Plus Vampire]]'': Kozo from the Fan Club Coalition. |
* ''[[Rosario Plus Vampire]]'': Kozo from the Fan Club Coalition. |
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'''Oni''': These are mountain spirits that share some things in common with trolls and ogres. The word is almost always translated into English as "demons" or "ogres." They are sometimes depicted as [[Red Oni Blue Oni|good or bad]], but are usually morally neutral and interested in their own affairs. They prefer huge bludgeoning weapons and hide loincloths. Sometimes blamed for streaks of misfortune. Others work jobs in [[Fire and Brimstone Hell]]. [[Red Oni Blue Oni|Know the different kinds!]] |
'''Oni''': These are mountain spirits that share some things in common with trolls and ogres. The word is almost always translated into English as "demons" or "ogres." They are sometimes depicted as [[Red Oni, Blue Oni|good or bad]], but are usually morally neutral and interested in their own affairs. They prefer huge bludgeoning weapons and hide loincloths. Sometimes blamed for streaks of misfortune. Others work jobs in [[Fire and Brimstone Hell]]. [[Red Oni, Blue Oni|Know the different kinds!]] |
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== Oni Examples == |
== Oni Examples == |
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* ''[[Yu Me Dream]]'' contains "a giant elephant-ram-boar-bear thing with purple hair" called a baku. It does live in the dream world, and attempts to eat the main characters' party. |
* ''[[Yu Me Dream]]'' contains "a giant elephant-ram-boar-bear thing with purple hair" called a baku. It does live in the dream world, and attempts to eat the main characters' party. |
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* Tapir, the wizard from ''[[Cocoron]]'', eventually turns out to be a baku who you have to fight in the game's final battle. |
* Tapir, the wizard from ''[[Cocoron]]'', eventually turns out to be a baku who you have to fight in the game's final battle. |
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* ''[[Dark Cloud (Video Game)|Dark Cloud 2 / Dark Chronicle]]'' features a mini-boss in Starlight Canyon called the Memo-Eater, an obese monster with a tapir's nose that possesses a girl and [[Laser |
* ''[[Dark Cloud (Video Game)|Dark Cloud 2 / Dark Chronicle]]'' features a mini-boss in Starlight Canyon called the Memo-Eater, an obese monster with a tapir's nose that possesses a girl and [[Laser-Guided Amnesia|eats her memories]]. |
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* In ''[[Naruto]]'' a Baku appears {{spoiler|as Danzou's summoning}} and looks like a huge, tuskless fierce elephant, able to suck anything in his trunk. |
* In ''[[Naruto]]'' a Baku appears {{spoiler|as Danzou's summoning}} and looks like a huge, tuskless fierce elephant, able to suck anything in his trunk. |
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* The baku from ''[[Hell Teacher Nube]]'' instead of being a benign creature that ate nightmares, ate ''good'' dreams and left its victims in a state of utter, suicide-inducing despair. It was actually composed of hundreds of tortured souls who moaned and writhed in the vague shape of the tapir. |
* The baku from ''[[Hell Teacher Nube]]'' instead of being a benign creature that ate nightmares, ate ''good'' dreams and left its victims in a state of utter, suicide-inducing despair. It was actually composed of hundreds of tortured souls who moaned and writhed in the vague shape of the tapir. |
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* ''[[Digimon World 3]]'' Kyuukimon (not to be confused with the aforementioned Kyuubimon) and [[Digimon Savers|Reppamon]] of ''[[Digimon]]''. |
* ''[[Digimon World 3]]'' Kyuukimon (not to be confused with the aforementioned Kyuubimon) and [[Digimon Savers|Reppamon]] of ''[[Digimon]]''. |
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* [[Muramasa the Demon Blade]] features a series of swords, going from 3 Kamaitachi to 5 Kamaitachi. The user spins holding the sword out in a rainbow like arc, and the number indicates the total of clones plus the user that use the move. |
* [[Muramasa the Demon Blade]] features a series of swords, going from 3 Kamaitachi to 5 Kamaitachi. The user spins holding the sword out in a rainbow like arc, and the number indicates the total of clones plus the user that use the move. |
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* The Mink Noise from ''[[The World Ends With You (Video Game)|The World Ends With You]]'' are based on Kamaitachi. All of them have long claws and a tendency to [[ |
* The Mink Noise from ''[[The World Ends With You (Video Game)|The World Ends With You]]'' are based on Kamaitachi. All of them have long claws and a tendency to [[Everything's Better With Spinning|make themselves into whirlwinds]]. There's even a pair fought together as an [[Optional Boss]]. |
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* Itaku from ''[[Nurarihyon no Mago]]'' is a kamaitachi that can appear as a ninja or as a weasel-faced demon. |
* Itaku from ''[[Nurarihyon no Mago]]'' is a kamaitachi that can appear as a ninja or as a weasel-faced demon. |
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* Izaya from ''[[Durarara]]'' jokes that he's a kamaitachi after shaving a thug's head with his knife in a split second. |
* Izaya from ''[[Durarara]]'' jokes that he's a kamaitachi after shaving a thug's head with his knife in a split second. |
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'''Rokurokubi and Nukekubi''': These two creatures are [[What Measure Is a Non |
'''Rokurokubi and Nukekubi''': These two creatures are [[What Measure Is a Non-Human?|Humanoid]] monsters, the Rokurokubi are human by day but have extremely elastic necks during the night, while nukekubi can detach their heads from their necks and float away in search of human flesh. |
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* ''[[Hell Teacher Nube]]''. Between these and [[Obake]], it's practically the whole point. If they're not listed among the specific examples above, it's because they're [[Monster of the Week|minor characters]], but trust us, these (and more) show up. |
* ''[[Hell Teacher Nube]]''. Between these and [[Obake]], it's practically the whole point. If they're not listed among the specific examples above, it's because they're [[Monster of the Week|minor characters]], but trust us, these (and more) show up. |
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* ''[[Humanoid Monster Bem]]'' |
* ''[[Humanoid Monster Bem]]'' |
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* ''[[Inu X Boku SS]]'', revolves around a bunch of [[Half |
* ''[[Inu X Boku SS]]'', revolves around a bunch of [[Half-Human Hybrid|Half Human Hybrids]] actually descendants of demons. |
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* ''[[Inukami]]!'' is almost entirely populated with various animal spirits, Inukami meaning "dog god". |
* ''[[Inukami]]!'' is almost entirely populated with various animal spirits, Inukami meaning "dog god". |
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* ''[[Inuyasha (Manga)|Inuyasha]]'', which in addition to the named characters listed includes at least one example of pretty much every other kind of youkai named on this page and a good many more that aren't. |
* ''[[Inuyasha (Manga)|Inuyasha]]'', which in addition to the named characters listed includes at least one example of pretty much every other kind of youkai named on this page and a good many more that aren't. |
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* ''[[Kiki Kai Kai]]'', a series of [[Cute Em Up]] games also known as ''Pocky & Rocky'', includes several kinds of ''obake'' as enemies. (Also, the main player character is a [[Miko]].) |
* ''[[Kiki Kai Kai]]'', a series of [[Cute Em Up]] games also known as ''Pocky & Rocky'', includes several kinds of ''obake'' as enemies. (Also, the main player character is a [[Miko]].) |
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* ''[[Magic the Gathering]]'' (''Kamigawa'' block, which was heavily inspired by Japanese mythology) |
* ''[[Magic the Gathering]]'' (''Kamigawa'' block, which was heavily inspired by Japanese mythology) |
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* ''[[Mahou Sensei Negima]]'' has two [[Half |
* ''[[Mahou Sensei Negima]]'' has two [[Half-Human Hybrid|hanyou (human-youkai hybrids)]] among Negi's [[True Companions]], Setsuna (mentioned above under ''tengu'') and Koutaro who is half dog youkai. |
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* ''[[Mokke]]'' |
* ''[[Mokke]]'' |
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* ''[[The Monster Girl Encyclopedia]]'': Youkai are exclusive [[Cute Monster Girl]] of Zipangu region. Unlike other part this world, they peacefully coexist with humans long before anyone can remember. The youkai in't part of Demon Lord army and there is no [[Knight Templar]] religion hunt them down - in fact, powerful monsters like nine-tail Inari are revered as god. |
* ''[[The Monster Girl Encyclopedia]]'': Youkai are exclusive [[Cute Monster Girl]] of Zipangu region. Unlike other part this world, they peacefully coexist with humans long before anyone can remember. The youkai in't part of Demon Lord army and there is no [[Knight Templar]] religion hunt them down - in fact, powerful monsters like nine-tail Inari are revered as god. |
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* ''[[Okami]]'' |
* ''[[Okami]]'' |
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* ''[[Omamori Himari]]'' features several other Youkai in addition to the aforementioned, including an water serpent in a leading role, a Shutendoji and many others in minor parts. Most of the major ones are [[Cute Monster Girl|Cute Monster Girls]]. |
* ''[[Omamori Himari]]'' features several other Youkai in addition to the aforementioned, including an water serpent in a leading role, a Shutendoji and many others in minor parts. Most of the major ones are [[Cute Monster Girl|Cute Monster Girls]]. |
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* ''Petopeto-san'': Most of the cast are youkai of one kind or another, if not [[Half |
* ''Petopeto-san'': Most of the cast are youkai of one kind or another, if not [[Half-Human Hybrid|Half Human Hybrids]]. |
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* ''[[Pokémon (Franchise)|Pokémon]]'' has a lot of creatures based on youkai. An example is Mawile, who is based on the futakuchi-onna, a woman with a monstrous, voracious mouth growing out of the back of her head and hair that functions like tentacles. |
* ''[[Pokémon (Franchise)|Pokémon]]'' has a lot of creatures based on youkai. An example is Mawile, who is based on the futakuchi-onna, a woman with a monstrous, voracious mouth growing out of the back of her head and hair that functions like tentacles. |
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* ''[[Princess Mononoke]]'' |
* ''[[Princess Mononoke]]'' |
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* ''[[Super Mario Bros]]'' |
* ''[[Super Mario Bros]]'' |
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* ''Tactics'', unsurprising since the show chronicles the adventures of a Japanese folklorist who practices Shinto and does exorcisms to make a little on the side. |
* ''Tactics'', unsurprising since the show chronicles the adventures of a Japanese folklorist who practices Shinto and does exorcisms to make a little on the side. |
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* ''[[The Great Yokai War]]'', [[What Do You Mean |
* ''[[The Great Yokai War]]'', [[What Do You Mean It's Not for Kids?|a kids movie]] by [[Takashi Miike]] is [[Exactly What It Says On the Tin]]. |
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* ''[[Throne of Darkness]]'', a Diablo-like [[Hack and Slash]] uses nearly ''only'' monsters of these origins. |
* ''[[Throne of Darkness]]'', a Diablo-like [[Hack and Slash]] uses nearly ''only'' monsters of these origins. |
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* ''[[Touhou Project]]'': Almost every known character, apart from the four[[Half |
* ''[[Touhou Project]]'': Almost every known character, apart from the four[[Half-Human Hybrid|-and-a-half]] human protagonists and a handful of goddesses, is some form of youkai. |
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* ''[[Urusei Yatsura]]'', which, despite the nominal sci-fi setting, features many youkai both as [[Ancient Astronauts]] and as actual monsters. |
* ''[[Urusei Yatsura]]'', which, despite the nominal sci-fi setting, features many youkai both as [[Ancient Astronauts]] and as actual monsters. |
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* ''[[Usagi Yojimbo]]'' has featured nearly every monster from Japanese tradition, from Oni to Kappas to Nues ([[Mix and Match Critters|chimera-like]] beasts) and an Obakeneko (vampire cat). |
* ''[[Usagi Yojimbo]]'' has featured nearly every monster from Japanese tradition, from Oni to Kappas to Nues ([[Mix and Match Critters|chimera-like]] beasts) and an Obakeneko (vampire cat). |
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[[Category:Oral Tradition]] |
[[Category:Oral Tradition]] |
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[[Category:Youkai]] |
[[Category:Youkai]] |
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[[Category:Trope]] |