Tag Archives: japanese folklore

Folklore, Movies, Personal/Site Updates, Religion, Theatre

Interview: Monstrous Wives, Murderous Lovers & Dead Wet Girls (Japan Station, JapanKyo.Com)

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Had a fun talk with Antonio (Tony) Vega discussing onryō (怨霊; “vengeful/wrathful ghost”) in the context of Japanese religion/folklore, theatre, as well as contemporary J-horror cinema. Feel free to give it a listen!

Tony’s podcast Japan Station is focused on discovering Japan through conversations with a guest featured on each episode. His podcast covers all aspects of Japan, including the Japanese language, history, Japanese pop culture, food, anime, manga, movies, music, comedy, the impact of Japanese culture around the world, underground social movements, social issues in Japan, and much more.

Folklore, Movies, News

妖怪大戦争 ガーディアンズ – The Great Yokai War: Guardians

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Coming to theaters in Japan in just a few days (August 13, 2021) and scheduled to premiere overseas over the course of this month, I wish it were easier to be able to see this latest directorial work of Miike Takashi. Given his penchant for the extreme and extravagant, it looks to be a wild display of yokai craziness and fun.

Continue reading 妖怪大戦争 ガーディアンズ – The Great Yokai War: Guardians →
Folklore, Literature, Papers, Writings

PAPER: In the Eye of the Beholder

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Written in March 2012 Wrote this Wrote this after studying Japanese folklore in-depth and reading traditional tales transcribed by Lafcadio Hearn. Warning: Spoilers for the stories!

In the Eye of the Beholder: The Power of Sight and the Supernatural in Japanese Ghost Stories

Of all the senses, sight is the one people rely on the most to perceive the world. And for many, when faced with something that defies all logic, such as the existence of the supernatural, “seeing” truly is believing. As is indicated by Lafcadio Hearn’s stories, namely “Hoichi the Earless” and “Peony Lantern”, the full realization of the supernatural is dependent on it being seen by a character or characters. Continue reading PAPER: In the Eye of the Beholder →

Folklore, Literature, Papers, Theatre, Writings

PAPER: With the Heart of a Human

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Written in November 2010 Wrote this for a course I took on Japanese theater in-depth analysis of Noh styles and construction using a specific, unique play.

With the Heart of a Human: An Analysis of the Nue as the Shite

Zeami’s works are characterized by a fine lyrical sensibility, and the Noh play Nue is no exception.What is unusual, however, is that it is spoken through the mouth of a demon, the nue monster that gives the play its name. By altering the perspective and narration of the original text found in the Tale of the Heike for his Noh play adaptation Nue, Zeami effectively sets the audience up to be sympathetic toward the nue creature and allows for its emotions to become the central focus of the play. This creates a very memorable character out of the nue, which despite being a demon exhibits a certain humanness, allowing the audience to connect and empathize with the nue. Continue reading PAPER: With the Heart of a Human →

Culture, History, Papers, Religion, Writings

PAPER: Through the Eyes of the Fox

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Written in May 2009  I wrote this paper based on my research on Shinto (sp. Inari) and East Asian folklore regarding the fox. I was fascinated by Fushimi Inari Taisha, and I was familiar with the kitsune as well as Shinto, so I started researching Inari and fox lore in more detail.

Through the Eyes of the Fox: Japan’s Connections with Korea through Inari Worship and the Plausible Influence on Shinto Religion

As the sunlight fades and dusk creeps in, an air of eerie tranquility settles on the shrine complex.  Passing underneath thousands of vermillion torii gates, it seems like a tunnel leading to another world. And everywhere one looks there is the expectation for a slender, lithe vulpine creature with a luxurious tail to suddenly appear and lope through the trees. Such is the atmosphere at Fushimi Inari Taisha, the head shrine of Inari, one of Shinto’s most diverse and popular kami. One of the most unique aspects of Inari worship that is often overlooked is its strong connections to the Korean peninsula, which are most distinctly seen in its origins and the central symbol of Inari, the fox. Given how prominent Inari worship is, how the Korean impact on it may have influenced Shinto beliefs in general is also worth examining. Continue reading PAPER: Through the Eyes of the Fox →