The Most Popular Yokai, Ranked

Choose the Yokai you think is the most popular!

Author: Gregor Krambs
Updated on Jul 15, 2024 07:17
Japanese folklore is a treasure trove of Yokai, each creature captivating with its own unique story and attributes. Understanding which Yokai holds the most fascination can offer insights into cultural priorities and historical values that resonate through generations. By ranking these enchanting beings, we can see which stories continue to capture hearts and minds today. This rankings site lets users weigh in on their favorite Yokai, contributing to a dynamic ledger of popular opinion. Here, your votes determine which entities ascend in visibility and which ones are perhaps less compelling to the wider audience. It's your opportunity to influence how these traditional spirits and creatures are perceived and appreciated in contemporary contexts.

What Is the Most Popular Yokai?

  1. 1
    56
    points
    Kappa

    Kappa

    A water imp known for its mischievous behavior, often depicted with a water-filled dish on its head.
    • Origin: Japanese folklore
    • Habitat: Rivers and ponds
  2. 2
    50
    points
    Kitsune

    Kitsune

    Fox spirits known for their intelligence and magical abilities, often taking human forms.
    • Origin: Japanese folklore
    • Abilities: Shapeshifting, possession
  3. 3
    23
    points
    Oni

    Oni

    Ogre-like demons known for their fierce appearance and association with disasters and disease.
    • Origin: Japanese folklore
    • Symbolism: Evil and calamity
  4. 4
    14
    points
    Tengu

    Tengu

    A mythical creature known for its bird-like characteristics and skilled martial arts.
    • Origin: Japanese folklore
    • Symbolism: Pride and vanity
  5. 5
    12
    points
    Yuki-onna

    Yuki-onna

    A ghostly figure known as the 'Snow Woman', associated with snow and cold weather.
    • Origin: Japanese folklore
    • Appearance: Pale skin, long black hair
  6. 6
    9
    points
    Jorogumo

    Jorogumo

    A creature that can transform from a spider into a beautiful woman to ensnare humans.
    • Origin: Japanese folklore
    • Abilities: Shapeshifting
  7. 7
    4
    points
    Tanuki

    Tanuki

    Raccoon dog spirits known for their shapeshifting abilities and mischievous nature.
    • Origin: Japanese folklore
    • Symbolism: Prosperity and good fortune
  8. 8
    3
    points
    Rokurokubi

    Rokurokubi

    Creatures that appear human by day but at night can stretch their necks to great lengths.
    • Origin: Japanese folklore
    • Appearance: Human by day, elongated neck by night
  9. 9
    0
    points
    Noppera-bō

    Noppera-bō

    Ghostly beings known for having no face, which they reveal to unsuspecting humans to scare them.
    • Origin: Japanese folklore
    • Appearance: Faceless
  10. 10
    0
    points

    Ame-onna

    Female spirits associated with rain, often depicted as soaking wet and bringing rain wherever they go.
    • Origin: Japanese folklore
    • Symbolism: Rain and fertility

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About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most popular Yokai. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or Yokai is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

  • 2797 views
  • 171 votes
  • 10 ranked items

Movers & Shakers

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each Yokai once every 24 hours. The rank of each Yokai is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

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Additional Information

More about the Most Popular Yokai

Kappa
Rank #1 for the most popular Yokai: Kappa (Source)
Yokai are a fascinating part of Japanese culture. They are supernatural beings from folklore. These beings can be spirits, monsters, or demons. Each has unique traits and stories. Many of these beings have roots in ancient times. They often appear in literature, art, and theater.

Yokai come in many forms. Some look like animals. Others resemble humans or objects. They can be friendly or hostile. Some help people, while others cause trouble. Their actions often teach lessons or explain natural events.

Folklore has many stories about these beings. These tales spread through oral tradition. Over time, they became part of the culture. People used these stories to explain the unknown. They also used them to pass on moral lessons.

Art plays a big role in the world of Yokai. Artists have depicted these beings for centuries. Paintings, woodblock prints, and sculptures show their diverse forms. These works of art help keep the stories alive. They also show the creativity of the artists.

Theater is another medium where Yokai appear. Traditional Japanese theater often features these beings. Performers use costumes and masks to bring them to life. The stories told in these plays are often dramatic. They mix elements of horror, comedy, and tragedy.

Yokai also appear in modern media. They are in movies, TV shows, and video games. These stories often update old legends. They make them accessible to new audiences. This keeps the tradition alive in a changing world.

Many people find Yokai interesting. They offer a glimpse into the past. They show how people once viewed the world. They also reflect human fears and desires. Studying them can teach us about history and culture.

Yokai are more than just scary stories. They are a rich part of Japanese heritage. They connect the past with the present. They show the power of imagination and storytelling. They remind us that the world is full of mystery.

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