Category: Japanese Mythology

Japanese Mythology · Pop Culture and Japan

The Last Ukiyo-e Painter & The Fight For Preservation

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This is a chapter from my book Japanese Fighting Heroes: Warriors, Samurai and Ronins. Pick up a copy here.

I love art. Walking around galleries and observing paintings is not only a therapeutic exercise, it’s an opportunity to soak up a piece of the artist’s story. Art is a window into the mind of the person who created it and their essence is left behind in the subject matter.

Japan has no shortage of wonderful art and Japanese ukiyo-e is my favourite genre for the distinctive style and beauty that goes into making it. Translating to pictures of the floating world, ukiyo-e are woodblock paintings and scenes that depict the pleasure districts, geisha, actors, wrestlers and decadence of the Edo period.

This style of art flourished for hundreds of years until it faded with the hero of this chapter: Tsukioka Yoshitoshi. Considered to be the last of the great masters, Yoshitoshi kept ukiyo-e alive for as long as he could against an invasion of Western technology and disciplines like photography and lithography. Before we visit the end of ukiyo-e, we must go back to the start.

Continue reading “The Last Ukiyo-e Painter & The Fight For Preservation” →

Guest Posts · Japanese Mythology

Guest Post: Kuzunoha And The White Fox

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It’s January – the days are short and dark and the nights are long and cold. It’s a perfect time of year for sitting around the fire, lighting candles and storytelling!

We’ve been enchanted by a traditional Japanese folktale from the Kyoto Heian era about a woman called Kuzunoha who is secretly a white fox. We’ve seen enchanting metamorphoses in Japanese stories before – we love The Chrysanthemum Spirit where the noble lady pines for the chrysanthemums in the palace garden so much that a nobleman appears who is the actual spirit of the flower.

Come with us as we take a closer look at Kuzunoha, to discover a little bit more about Japanese storytelling traditions, and also take a look at the symbolism of the fox in Japan.

Continue reading “Guest Post: Kuzunoha And The White Fox” →

Japanese Mythology · Women Warriors

Women Warriors: Empress Jingū

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Japanese history is filled with stories of legendary figures like Minamoto no Yoshitsune and Sengo Muramasa who helped to shape the time periods they lived in. For every tale of a man who dictated the future of Japan, there are just as many inspirational stories about Japanese women shocking the system. Women Warriors examines the life of these brave souls who went against tradition.

One of the most interesting stories of a woman changing the status quo involves the legendary Empress Jingū, A semi-mythological figure, Empress Jingū’s life is a topic of much debate. Continue reading “Women Warriors: Empress Jingū” →

Japanese Fashion · Japanese Mythology

Dissecting The Parts Of Traditional Samurai Armour

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The legend of the samurai is woven into the culture of Japan. Dutiful, stoic and formidable, samurai were bound to the code of bushido, protecting their lords and masters at any cost. In order to carry out their duty, samurai relied on a variety of equipment, and one of their most important assets was armour.

Traditional samurai armour is striking for how intimidating it looks. This was deliberate on the part of the warriors, as they wanted to terrify their opponents in battle. A great amount of detail went into the forging of the armour, with each piece being intricate and durable. Let’s take a closer look at  samurai armour and see how it was made. Continue reading “Dissecting The Parts Of Traditional Samurai Armour” →

Japanese Mythology

The Hyakki Yagyo: How To Survive The Night Of One Hundred Demons

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Japanese folklore is filled with all kinds of supernatural tales that have been passed down from generation to generation. Creatures like the tengu and kitsune are as complex as the stories that have spawned them. Perhaps one of the most significant events in Japanese folklore is the Hyakki Yagyo, otherwise known as the night parade of one hundred demons.

As a Japanese idiom, the Hyakki Yagyo represents the concept of utter pandemonium. It’s the breaking down of the barrier between the human and supernatural world. The time of evil spirits and tricksters running amok through the streets. Continue reading “The Hyakki Yagyo: How To Survive The Night Of One Hundred Demons” →

Japanese Mythology

How The Role Of The Tengu Has Changed In Japanese Culture

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Japanese folklore is filled with spirits and mythical creatures, and one of the most well-known beings is the tengu. Tengu are an important part of Shinto and Buddhism and form part of the yokai. Originally seen as demons, the importance of tengu have changed over time. Many people wear tengu masks and the image has been woven into popular culture. Yamato Magazine is looking into the history of the tengu to see what they are and their significance to Japanese culture. Continue reading “How The Role Of The Tengu Has Changed In Japanese Culture” →

Japanese Mythology

Yomi And The Fate Of Izanami And Izanagi

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Every culture has their version of hell, and Japan is no different. The Japanese equivalent of the underworld, Yomi, forms an important part of Shinto religion. But unlike the traditional image of hell being a place where the dead are punished for their misdeeds, Yomi is considered a place where all souls exist in a state of purgatory.

One of the most interesting stories from Yomi depicts the lives of the creator gods of Japan, Izanami and Izanagi. Their tale features themes of sorrow, hope, and sacrifice. Continue reading “Yomi And The Fate Of Izanami And Izanagi” →

Japanese Mythology · Pop Culture and Japan

How Pokémon Reinvented Yokai For A Modern Generation

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Japanese mythology is filled with all kinds of supernatural creatures and monsters, ranging from mischievous kitsune, which take the appearance of foxes, to demonic oni, that live in the mountains and look like trolls. In anime, it’s common for characters to be inspired by fantastical Japanese creatures, and a franchise that does it so well is Pokémon. A lot of Pokémon are based on mythical monsters and some of my favourites have been influenced by yokai, Japanese ghosts and phantoms.

Continue reading “How Pokémon Reinvented Yokai For A Modern Generation” →

Japanese Mythology

Dispelling The Curse Of Muramasa Swords

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Ancient Japanese sword makers were known as artists who dedicated everything to their craft. They spent countless hours forging steel into weapons that went on to be wielded by famous samurai like Miyamoto Musashi. Some Japanese swordsmiths became as well-known as the people they made weapons for. One of the most infamous names in the swordsmith world is Muramasa Sengo.

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Japanese Mythology · Pop Culture and Japan

Tracing The History Of Kitsune In Japanese Folklore And Anime

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Symbols are an important part of any culture and there are many significant images in Japanese folklore. Spirits play a vital role and one of the most important is the kitsune, or fox spirit. Kitsunes are depicted as intelligent shapeshifters whose magical ability increases with age. They have the ability to be benevolent or malicious depending on the situation. Some stories portray them as guardians, while others depict them as tricksters. The ambiguity of the fox makes it an interesting symbol in Japanese folklore, one that’s transitioned into modern pop culture. Continue reading “Tracing The History Of Kitsune In Japanese Folklore And Anime” →