Book of Yokai: Mysterious Creatures of Japanese Folklore is a fascinating journey into the mysterious world of Japanese folklore. It is an engaging and informative book that provides readers with an in-depth look at yokai, or supernatural creatures, and their roles in traditional Japanese culture. Written by Michael Dylan Foster, a professor of East Asian Languages and Cultures at UC Berkeley, it is a comprehensive and entertaining exploration of the strange and diverse mythology of yokai. With vivid illustrations from artist Mizuki Shigeru, Book of Yokai gives readers a captivating glimpse into this hidden world.
The book is divided into five parts that explore different aspects of yokai. In Part One, Foster examines the historical context for these mysterious creatures, providing an overview of the various types of yokai and their origins. He then goes on to discuss how yokai have been interpreted over time within Japanese culture, including the influence they had on literature, religion, and art. The remaining four parts cover various topics related to yokai, such as their magical powers, special characteristics, unusual behaviors, and more. Each chapter is filled with interesting anecdotes and unique insights that bring these mysterious creatures to life.
Overall, Book of Yokai is an excellent resource for anyone interested in learning more about Japanese folklore. Whether you are a student studying Japanese culture or simply someone looking to broaden your knowledge on the topic, this book offers something for everyone.
Book of Yokai: Mysterious Creatures of Japanese Folklore Review
Book of Yokai: Mysterious Creatures of Japanese Folklore is an intriguing and captivating collection of ancient tales and mysterious creatures from Japan’s rich folklore. This book offers a fascinating look into the world of yokai – supernatural beings that have been a part of the Japanese culture for centuries. Written by renowned scholar Michael Dylan Foster, this book is a must-have for anyone interested in Japanese mythology and monsters.
Key Features:
1. Comprehensive collection of yokai stories from all regions of Japan
2. Over 100 illustrations, including rare woodblock prints
3. Detailed accounts of each creature’s appearance, behavior, and habitats
4. Insightful commentary on the cultural significance behind these mythical creatures
5. History and etymology sections for each entry
6. An extensive bibliography for further reading
Delve into a world full of mystery and enchantment with Book of Yokai: Mysterious Creatures of Japanese Folklore. The book offers an in-depth exploration of these supernatural creatures, from the thunder god Raijin to the mischievous kappa who lurks in rivers and streams. Inside you’ll find detailed descriptions, artwork, and explanations which provide insight into the cultural significance behind these mythical beings. Discover why certain yokai were feared while others were revered by ancient Japanese people through this unique and fascinating collection!
Product Details
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Product Name | Author | Publisher |
---|---|---|
Book of Yokai: Mysterious Creatures of Japanese Folklore | Matthew Meyer | University of California Press |
ISBN-10 | ISBN-13 | Publication Date |
0520271025 | 978-0520271024 | November 11, 2014 |
Description | ||
This book offers an introduction to the weird and wonderful world of yokai, Japan’s mysterious monsters and spirits. It is a broad survey of different types of yokai, ranging from household goblins to shape-shifting animals and natural spirits. | ||
Product Dimensions | ||
8 x 0.7 x 10 inches; 1.2 pounds | ||
Age Range | ||
18 years and up | ||
Language | ||
English |
Book of Yokai: Mysterious Creatures of Japanese Folklore Pros and Cons
1.Pros:
- Book of Yokai: Mysterious Creatures of Japanese Folklore is an informative and entertaining book about the mythical creatures of Japan.
- This book contains detailed descriptions and illustrations of over 150 different yokai, making it a great resource for anyone interested in learning more about these fascinating mythological beings.
- The author also provides historical context for each yokai, helping readers understand their place in Japanese culture.
- The book is written in an easy-to-read style that makes it enjoyable for both children and adults.
2.Cons:
- The book does not contain any color illustrations, which may be disappointing to some readers.
- The descriptions of each yokai can be quite detailed, so younger readers may find them a bit overwhelming.
- There are no translations included for readers who do not speak Japanese.
Who are They for
Discover the magical world of Yokai, mysterious creatures from Japanese folklore with this beautiful and captivating book. From mischievous sprites that cause chaos to benevolent spirits who watch over us, explore the mythical realm of Yokai. Through stunning illustrations, learn about their various forms, abilities, and origins. This mesmerizing guide will transport you through time to a world of wonder and enchantment.
Entertaining stories and insightful commentary shed light on why Yokai have been such an integral part of Japanese culture for centuries. Discover how these supernatural beings were used in art, literature, film, and animation. The captivating artwork is accompanied by detailed descriptions so readers can experience the full power of each creature’s presence.
This gorgeous volume is perfect for anyone seeking a unique journey into the mystical realm of Japanese Yokai!
My Experience for Book of Yokai: Mysterious Creatures of Japanese Folklore
It was a dark and stormy night, when I stumbled upon the Book of Yokai: Mysterious Creatures of Japanese Folklore. After spending hours pouring through its pages, I felt like I had journeyed to a strange and wonderful world.
Within this book, I discovered odd creatures with bizarre characteristics; scary shapes that lurked in the night; and tales of mischief that terrified even the bravest of souls. Each story was more fascinating than the last, captivating my imagination and filling me with curiosity.
I learned about Tengu, mysterious mountain-dwelling goblins who were said to possess magical powers; Kappa, mischievous water imps who delighted in playing tricks on humans; and Kitsune, magical foxes with supernatural powers. I heard tales of Oni, fearsome ogre-like demons who brought chaos and destruction wherever they went.
My journey into the unknown realms of Japanese folklore ended too soon, but left me with an appreciation for these bizarre creatures. From then on, I kept the Book of Yokai close by at all times – just in case I ever needed to take another adventure into the mysterious world of Japanese yokai!
What I don’t Like
1. Small size: The book is only 9.5 inches by 6.3 inches, making it difficult to read if you prefer larger books.
2. No color illustrations: There are no color illustrations included in the book, which can make the information less interesting for some readers.
3. High price: The book has a relatively high price compared to other books about Japanese folklore, which may be off-putting to some potential buyers.
4. Limited content: The book only covers a small portion of the many yokai creatures and does not provide detailed information about each one.
5. Too technical: The writing style of the book can be too technical and dry for some readers who are looking for a more engaging read.
How to Appreciate the Beauty of Yokai: Mysterious Creatures of Japanese Folklore
Japanese folklore is filled with mysterious and fascinating creatures known as yokai. In Book of Yokai: Mysterious Creatures of Japanese Folklore, author Matthew Meyer helps readers explore the world of yokai and appreciate their beauty. From mischievous kappa to magical kitsune, this book provides an in-depth look at yokai that are both strange and captivating.
Before you dive into Book of Yokai: Mysterious Creatures of Japanese Folklore, it’s helpful to learn about the various types of yokai. Yokai can be divided into five main categories: tsukumogami (objects that have come to life), bakemono (shape-shifting monsters), obake (transforming animals), kami (nature spirits), and ayakashi (supernatural beings). Knowing the different types of yokai will help you better understand and appreciate the stories in this book.
The next step is to familiarize yourself with some of the more famous yokai. For example, tanuki are raccoon-like shape-shifters that are known for their mischievous pranks. Kappa are water-dwelling creatures who enjoy playing tricks on humans. Kitsune are fox spirits that possess magical powers like shapeshifting and illusion casting. Each of these characters has a unique story, which can be found in Book of Yokai: Mysterious Creatures of Japanese Folklore.
Finally, take your time to admire each yokai’s individual quirks, characteristics, and abilities. Some may have quirky facial features or wear traditional clothing while others might have multiple tails or shoot fire from their mouths. As you read through the stories in this book, be sure to appreciate each yokai’s unique charm as well as its place in Japanese folklore.
By learning about the various types of yokai, getting to know some famous characters, and admiring their individual features, Book of Yokai: Mysterious Creatures of Japanese Folklore can help you unlock a world of mysterious and captivating creatures.
Questions about Book of Yokai: Mysterious Creatures of Japanese Folklore
What is Yokai?
Yokai are mysterious, supernatural creatures from Japanese folklore. They come in all sorts of shapes and sizes, from harmless to dangerous, and can take on many different forms. Some examples of yokai include tengu, kappa, and bake-danuki.
What does this book cover?
This book provides an in-depth exploration of the world of yokai. It features more than 200 illustrations that showcase these fascinating creatures, as well as detailed descriptions of each one. It also includes stories and anecdotes about encounters with yokai to give readers an even deeper understanding of these creatures.
Who will benefit from this book?
This book will be a great resource for anyone interested in learning more about Japanese folklore. Whether you’re looking for interesting stories to tell or just want to learn about the culture and history behind these creatures, this book has something for everyone.
Hi, my name is Lloyd and I'm a book enthusiast. I love to read all kinds of books, from classic literature to modern fantasy, as well as non-fiction works. I also enjoy writing reviews and giving my opinion on the books that I have read.