Fairies are popular mythical beings in many Western cultures. We have Tinkerbell, fairy godmothers, and many other characters in pop culture! However, do the Japanese have fairies in their myths and lore, too?
Turns out, they do! Of course, they have a different name for them, and there are a few differences, but fairies are a popular part of Japanese folklore.
If you would like to find out more about Japanese fairies, just keep reading! We will be going through everything you need to know about Japanese fairies in the sections below.
What Are Fairies Called In Japan?
The Japanese version of the fairy most of us are familiar with is Yōsei (妖精). This translates to “bewitching spirit”.
However, even this term is typically used to refer to the Western fairies we know. In rare cases, this term may also be used to denote creatures within Japanese folklore.
History Of Japanese Fairies Or Yōsei
While little is known about the Japanese yōsei, there are a few stories about them in Japanese folklore. In the Iwate Prefecture, the people were once afraid of the yōsei having the ability to resurrect the dead!
There have also been rumors that the people living on Mount Hōrai are actually small fairies. These people are said to have no knowledge of any great evil, which means that their hearts will never grow old.
Stories about tree sprites in Okinawa’s Ryukyuan beliefs also talk about fairy-like beings, and the Ainu have tales about a race of tiny people called the Koro-pok-puru in their beliefs.
Are Yōsei Good Or Bad?
Yōsei are seen to have playful natures, and are innocent beings. They are known to be intelligent, and can even learn human languages!
Other Interesting Creatures From Japanese Folklore
There are lots of fascinating creatures from Japanese folklore that many people will be familiar with. Like other mythologies around the world, these range from cute to creepy, and many of them are simply terrifying.
However, most creatures in Japanese folklore are fascinating, and can easily draw you into their world, blurring the lines.
Take a look at some intriguing creatures from Japan’s folklore, and what you think of them! Which one is your favorite?
Tengu
As one of the yōkai (supernatural or spiritual beings), tengu are a part of Shintoism. These creatures are often portrayed as the reincarnated spirit of someone who was arrogant and proud in life.
These angry ghosts are negative spirits, and are known to be a troublesome nemesis of Buddhism.
Tengu are blamed for misleading the followers of Buddha, and even carry monks away and leave them in distant, remote places.
They will also rob temples, possess women in order to seduce holy Buddhist men, and give anyone who worships them supernatural power.
It is common to see tengu portrayed in kabuki. There, they are often given bird-like appearances with various human features. These beings are feared for their incredible swordsmanship, which is often also portrayed in kabuki plays.
Jorogumo
The jorogumo is a type of yōkai in Japanese folklore that no one wants to cross paths with. It is said that these creatures are created when an old-weaver spider turns 400 years old.
On this day, it grows huge, and is endowed with the ability to shapeshift into a beautiful woman. This woman will then lure men to her, and eat them.
Because spiders are involved in this story, and they are everywhere, this name is often used to refer to various species that would certainly turn into the creature if they lived to be 400 years old.
In folklore, this massive creature can weave silk webs that are strong enough to capture men in them. She also has the ability to control other spiders around her, and they can do her bidding.
Shikigami
“Shikigami” is the term used to describe spirits that can be controlled and used by Onmyoji, or Japanese magicians. They are ghost-like beings and are thought to be a kind of kami.
The one who controls then can use them however they prefer, from harmless pranks to violent possessions.
Tanuki
Another trickster spirit, a tanuki is actually a Japanese raccoon dog! These are real animals, and they have a unique reputation for having the ability to perform magic and cause mischief.
Many think that these adorable animals have the supernatural ability to shapeshift into anything they like.
In the older Japanese folktales, tanuki were animals that represented bad omens and the haunting of people. These animals are also yōkai, and are revered in folklore.
Kappa
The kappa is one of the most unusual creatures in Japanese mythology. Their name simply means “river child”, and they are reputed to have a reptilian appearance. They are aquatic humanoids that live in the various streams and rivers throughout Japan.
They might sound cute, but kappa are known for being almost vampiric, and will take advantage of people. These beings have a bowl-like shape on their heads where they hold water, which is said to give them wisdom.
Not only are they smart, but kappa are thought to have taught humans bone setting, thanks to their knowledge of medicine.
Kitsune
Kitsune are some of the most fascinating beings in Japanese folklore, and are described as trickster foxes. They can be regular foxes, but also demon and divine foxes.
In folklore, kitsune are known for their mischievous natures, and frequently prank people. They can be evil, but many of them are neutral, with a simple pleasure of being tricksters.
According to folklore, every fox has the ability to shapeshift from their fox form into a human form. As a fox gets older and wiser, their paranormal abilities will slowly grow stronger.
You might see kabuki actors portraying kitsune in their plays and donning unique fox-like masks. A famous kitsune in kabuki is Genkurō, who features in the play Yoshitsune and the Thousand Cherry Trees (Yoshitsune Senbon Zakura).
Kamaitachi
Kamaitachi are supernatural flying beings from Japanese folklore. They are weasel-like in appearance, with long claws. According to the stories, these creatures can ride whirlwinds, and have the ability to move so quickly, they are hardly ever seen.
They are known for causing unusual events wherever they are. Stories about them are frequently told in the Kōshin’etsu region, a beautiful but mountainous region of Japan.
Final Thoughts
Japanese fairies are referred to as yōsei, but this term usually refers to the creatures that we know from Western mythology. In Japan, yōsei are rarely spoken of, but there are a few old stories about them and similar fairy-like beings in different places.
Fairies and similar things are only a few of the incredible creatures that are included in Japanese folklore. Many beings are referred to as yōkai. They are thought to possess god-like powers, and many of them harbor ill-will to humans.
Some creatures, like the famous kitsune and tengu, are often portrayed in kabuki, where they are depicted with beautiful masks.
Many creatures from Japanese mythology are a part of everyday life in Japan, and are an important part of religion.
Hi, I’m Jason Patrick, and for as long as I have been alive, I have been obsessed with Japanese culture. From the sights and sounds of Japan’s many cities to its culinary delights that have become famous worldwide, I simply cannot get enough of this wonderful nation!
I hope that, by exploring this website, you all will develop a much deeper appreciation for Japan, and that it may even influence you to pay it a visit yourself eventually! It is definitely a trip of a lifetime, and whether you experience it firsthand, or through my own website, I’m sure you will become just as passionate as I always have been!
