Izanami: An illustration depicting Amabie, a plague-fighting yokai, went viral in Japan during the Covid-19 disaster. Izanagi: Japanese people have created various kinds of yokai since ancient times. The history of Japan begins with myths in which yokai appear. Izanami: The mischievous kappa, which live in rivers, and oni (ogres), which are symbols of misfortune, are well-known yokai and have become a part of Japanese people’s lives. Izanagi: “Momotaro,” a typical Japanes e folktale, tells the story of Momotaro, who conquers oni. “Setsubun,” an event held in early February, is a time for bean-throwing to drive out oni from the home, as illness and troubles are likened to oni . Izanami: A dog, a monkey, and a pheasant appear in Momotaro’s stories as companions to exterminate oni ; there are also many anthropomorphic animals in Japanese folktales such as “Sarukani Gassen” and “Kachikachiyama.” Izanagi: Japan has a culture of anthropomorphizing yokai, animals, and even things. Izanami: European folk tales often reflect the cultural customs of the time, while Japanese folktales have a strong element of storytelling that entertains through story development. Izanagi: There are many tales of various yokai remaining in the regions of Japan. Izanami: “Tono Monogatari” (The Legends of Tono) by YANAGITA Kunio is a well-known collection of folklore and anecdotes from the Tono region of Iwate Prefecture, including “zashiki-warashi . Izanagi: Lafcadio HEARN (a Greek-born Engl i shman known as KOIZUMI Yakumo) wrote “KAIDAN / Kwaidan (ghost story)” based on legends from various parts of Japan that he heard from his Japanese wife. Izanami: Among Hearn’s works, "YUKI-ONNA (snow woman),” which depicts a beautiful specter, and “Miminashi Hoichi,” (Hoichi the Earless) a story about the grudge spirits of the Heike clan, are ghost stories that many Japanese are familiar with. Izanagi: Japanese people have incorporated stories featuring yokai into their daily lives. Personification of yokai and animals brings familiarity, it is also found in contemporary subcultures. Izanami: Manga and TV character goods in which main characters transform into heroes, as well as “yuru kyara ” characters that have become mascots in various parts of Japan, are very popular. Izanagi: Manga and anime depicting the world of yokai, such as MIZUKI Shigeru’s “Gegege no Kitaro” and GOTOUGE Koyoharu’s “Kimetsu no Yaiba (Demon Slayer)” have been popular throughout the ages. Izanami: This Japanese preference has given rise to a unique Japanese culture of cosplay and figurines. Izanagi: Furthermore, it could be said to have led to idol culture and “kawaii (cute)” culture. Izanami: When we think of idols in Japan, we think of “local idols” or “Akiba style idols,” who are more like “the sister or brother (the boy or girl) next door” that you can meet anytime, rather than excellent singers. Izanagi: Japanese idol fans support idols from their debut and enjoy the process of their growth as top idols. Izanami: Recently, an “Oshi (fave) culture” has emerged in which people support those they wish to in various ways, such as by “social tipping” on the Internet to support them financially or by buying and collecting goods. Izanagi: The fantastical world of yokai has given birth to a variety of Japanese cultures and is still a part of Japanese life. It may be a world of small comforts where the common people can escape from reality. ( From December issue, 2022 / 2022年12月号より）