Yokai
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Buruburu/Zokuzokugami/Okubyohgami
The Buruburu is a Yokai from Japan. They often appear as old men or women, shaking, and with one eye. The name Buruburu is meant to represent the sound of shivering in fear. They attack people by leaving their physical form and attaching their spectral form to a victim’s spine. The feeling of this attack causes the victim’s heart to seize up in horror. Sometimes it possesses without killing, leaving the victim overcome by fear so intense they fear everything. Victims of the fear caused by a Buruburu often commit suicide. Citations: Maberry, Jonathan. Vampire Universe: The Dark World of Supernatural Beings That Haunt Us, Hunt Us, and Hunger for…
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Ao Bozu
The Ao Bōzu are Yokai of Japan whose name means “blue monk.” They live in fields, on lonely roads, and in uninhabited houses. They often eat children. They resemble a priest with blue skin and one eye, though the description can vary in size, number of eyes, and where they live. They possess a strong connection to magic. The word “ao” can mean blue or green and often relates to immaturity or inexperience. There are some similarities between this creature and the Hitotsume Kozō. In mythology, one-eyed monsters or lower gods often served the bidding of higher deities. They could be kept at bay with items such as woven baskets…
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Akkorokamui/Atkor Kamuy
Akkorokamui is from Japanese mythology. This creature’s name translates to “string holding kamui,” with string holding referring to its tentacles. It resembles a red octopus measuring 10,000 square meters in size. It was thought to be capable of swallowing ships and even whales in one bite. It was revered as the god of Uchiura Bay and sailors were warned to avoid the water when the sky and sea were red. If you had to be on the water during these times, you had to carry a scythe to protect yourself by cutting the tentacles with it. The origin of this creature is that it was once a giant spider called…
