4.29.2014

A-Z Challenge, Y is for Yokai


Today we travel into the realm of Japanese folk lore. Yokai are "phantoms" that often take the form of animals or humans. It is said that they can occasionally bring good fortune to those who encounter them, however, they are also known to be mischievous. I think it is a very interesting concept. It reminds me of shape shifters that have shown up in a lot of recent YA paranormals.

Have you run into any mischievous phantoms lately and if so, did they bring you any good luck?

Bonnie Rae

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17 comments:

  1. River FairchildApril 29, 2014 at 5:38 AM

    I know very little about Japanese myths - something I'm trying to correct. So many fascinating creatures still to explore!

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  2. Heather R. HoldenApril 29, 2014 at 5:39 AM

    I love folklore, but don't think I've ever heard of the yokai before. I'm gonna have to read up on them; they sound fascinating!

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  3. cleemckenzieApril 29, 2014 at 8:27 AM

    These guys sound quite whimsical or tricky.

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  4. M PaxApril 29, 2014 at 8:39 AM

    I could use one with some good fortune.

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  5. Chrys FeyApril 29, 2014 at 8:43 AM

    A phantom that can bring good luck and also be mischievous? That is interesting!

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  6. Cherie ReichApril 29, 2014 at 9:22 AM

    The yokai sound very interesting, especially since they sometimes bring good luck.

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  7. AnonymousApril 29, 2014 at 9:30 AM

    Japanese folk lore has a lot of interesting creatures. Lots to get inspiration from.

    ~Patricia Lynne~
    Story Dam
    Patricia Lynne, YA Author

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  8. UnknownApril 29, 2014 at 11:20 AM

    I can see how they would be inspirational- the idea of them almost writes itself.

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  9. Elephant's ChildApril 29, 2014 at 12:26 PM

    My cats are the only shape-shifters in my life at the moment, and they are definitely mischievious. And black, so the question of luck is moot.
    What little I have read of Japanese folk lore is fascinating. For some reason fox spirits have always chilled my soul...

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  10. Christine RainsApril 29, 2014 at 1:24 PM

    The Yokai sound like fun! I wish I met one. If you know any way to attract them, let me know!

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  11. BirgitApril 29, 2014 at 3:57 PM

    well they sound like fun spirits in some ways. I have actually experienced some strange things in my home maybe it's them

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  12. djinniaApril 29, 2014 at 4:14 PM

    Ha! My first thought when I saw this was Sesshomaru from the anime Inuyasha. For those who don't know, he is an inu yokai or dog demon. Squee! Fangirling right now!

    Love this post!

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  13. Stephanie FarisApril 29, 2014 at 7:14 PM

    Yokai sound spooky!

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  14. Rachna ChhabriaApril 29, 2014 at 11:34 PM

    Yokai sound like fun spirits. If they bring good fortune to people who see them, then they cant be scary creatures.

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  15. kjmckendryMay 1, 2014 at 6:49 AM

    I haven't heard of Yokai before but they sound very interesting.

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  16. J Lenni DornerMay 1, 2014 at 9:47 PM

    So they might bring good luck, but they have mischief... do be careful what you wish for, basically?

    Cool post. Thanks for discussing a lesser known creature. :)

    Stopping by from the #atozchallenge !
    @JLenniDorner

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  17. KjMMay 3, 2014 at 5:05 PM

    I love folklore from different places (as in places from where I'm not.) These Yokai sound intriguing.

    Tricksters and shapeshifters. Always a challenge to mere mortals.

    A book of short stories retelling Japanese and Chinese folk tales is:http://smile.amazon.com/Returning-Sisters-Eastern-Whimsy-Malice-ebook/dp/B006GEPX6U/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1399161247&sr=8-1&keywords=returning+my+sister%27s+face

    Worth the read.

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