Famous Yokai List: 102 Legendary Creatures from Japan That Will Inspire Your Creative Projects

91. Hyakume (百目)
    A yokai whose body is covered in countless eyes or exactly one hundred eyes. It is said that its eyes shine dazzlingly by day, and that at night one of its eyes detaches to follow a person.
92. Funayūrei (船幽霊/舟幽霊)
    Ghosts associated with ships or sailors, said to appear at sea and cause shipwrecks by siphoning water or bringing misfortune.
93. Bakedanuki (化け狸)
    A tanuki-type yokai known for deceiving people and assuming human form.
94. Mamedanuki (豆狸)
    A small tanuki said to inhabit old warehouses in rural houses, sometimes appearing as a silent old woman.
95. Mayoi-ga (迷い家/マヨイガ/マヨヒガ)
    A phantom house believed to bring good fortune to those who find it, from which one is permitted to take an item.
96. Mujina (ムジナ)
    A creature about the size of a dog, with front legs shorter than the hind legs, which develops a cross-shaped pattern of white or black hair on its back as it ages, earning it a reputation for deceiving humans.
97. Yagyō-san (夜行さん)
    A fearsome spirit that appears on New Year’s Eve, Setsubun, and other ill-fated days, riding a headless horse. It is said that those who encounter it are thrown or kicked, but can escape by mimicking its cry with a pair of geta.
98. Yosuzume (夜雀)
    A nocturnal spirit resembling a sparrow, known for chirping “chik, chik, chik” and following travelers on mountain paths, regarded as an omen of misfortune.
99. Yōko (妖狐)
    A fox yokai famous for deceiving humans and assuming human form, also known as “Bakeneko.”
100. Akaname (垢嘗)
     A yokai said to lick the grime accumulated in bathtubs or on bath buckets. Although rarely seen, its name evokes images of a red-faced creature, prompting people to keep their bathing areas immaculate.
101. Aobōzu (青坊主)
     A large, monk-like yokai dressed in blue or with blue skin, said to be seen in abandoned houses.
102. Ryōmensukuna (両面宿儺)
     A formidable figure—whether viewed as a deity or demon—depicted with a face on both the front and back of its head and eight limbs. Often shown wielding swords on both sides and with four arms that shoot arrows, it is celebrated for its immense strength and legendary battles.

Conclusion

In this article, we’ve presented a comprehensive guide to 102 of Japan’s most famous yokai, revealing the rich tapestry of folklore and ghostly legends that have shaped Japanese culture. By exploring the diverse stories and characteristics behind each creature, you can infuse your own creative work with elements of mystery, wonder, and timeless tradition. Yokai are not merely symbols of terror—they also embody lessons, beauty, and the complex interplay between the human and the supernatural. Let these legends from Japan inspire you to weave your own narratives and bring these captivating spirits to life in your art, writing, or multimedia projects.

Reference: Wikipedia – 妖怪