Yokai and Kyoto talk
A couple of days ago I had a great conversation with JJ from Southern Demonology podcast. We started with the mystic origins of Kyoto, monkey temples, Abe no Seimei and moved to Himeji – the castle known as the home of Okiku – one of the most famous ghosts in Japan. Listen right here or wherever you usually get your…
Yokai Explained
We all love something cooling during the summer heat. And what can be more refreshing than a spooky story that makes you shiver? But sorry, I can’t handle scary stories. They are, well, scary. Japanese people, on the other hand, are really good at making and retelling them. So this time let me introduce you to the Japanese monsters –…
Sugawara Michizane Explained
Today I want to tell you about a man of humble origin who became a renowned scholar and poet, kept the imperial court in fear long after his death, turned into a wrathful spirit, a deity and a bodhisattva (all at once), got thousands of shrines dedicated to him all around the country and is respected by Zen monks, praised…