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Yōkai (妖怪, ghost, phantom, strange apparition) are a class of supernatural monsters in Japanese folklore. The word yōkai is made up of the kanji for "bewitching; attractive; calamity" and "apparition; mystery; suspicious". They can also be called ayakashi (あやかし), mononoke (物の怪), or mamono (魔物) based on their type and classification. Yōkai range eclectically from the malevolent to the mischievous, or occasionally bring good fortune to those who encounter them. Although most translated words carry a negative connotation, many Youkai are portrayed in a positive light as opposed to a negative one. Many types possess animal features (such as the Kappa, which is similar to a turtle, or the Great Tengu which has wings), other times they can appear mostly human, some look like inanimate objects and others have no discernible shape. Yōkai usually have a spiritual supernatural power, with shapeshifting being one of the most common. Yōkai that have the ability to shapeshift are called obake.

Youkai List

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