The Allure of the Hyakki Yagyo Emaki, a Parade of Yokai
Yokai in Japanese traditional culture have continued to spark people’s imaginations across generations. A symbolic representation of this is the “Hyakki Yagyo Emaki.” This picture scroll depicts yokai marching in a group at night and was produced in large numbers from the Muromachi period to the Meiji and Taisho eras. The term “Hyakki Yagyo” itself contains an element of mystery and fear, as if opening a door to a world different from everyday life. These scrolls also feature yokai known as tsukumogami, which are anthropomorphized old tools and household items, and their expressive methods and storylines captivate viewers. There are various versions both domestically and internationally, each depicted with unique interpretations and aesthetic senses, attracting attention from many researchers and enthusiasts. Indeed, the “Hyakki Yagyo Emaki” can be described as an invitation to a fantastical world deeply rooted in Japanese culture.
The Origins and History of the Hyakki Yagyo Emaki
The “Hyakki Yagyo Emaki” is a picture scroll depicting yokai parading in a group at night. This theme was widely produced from the Muromachi period to the Meiji and Taisho eras, with many different versions existing. These scrolls are housed both in Japan and abroad, holding an important place in Japanese art history through the cultural element of yokai.
Initially, these types of scrolls were not fixed under a specific name and were also referred to as “Hyakki no Zu” or “Yokai Emaki.” Various versions were created through copying and transcription, and as a result, they have been passed down to the present day.
The Four Lineages and Their Representative Works
The “Hyakki Yagyo Emaki” can be mainly divided into four lineages. The famous ones include the “Hyakki Yagyo Zu” housed at Shinjū-an, the “Hyakki no Zu” at the International Research Center for Japanese Studies, and the one at Kyoto City University of Arts. Each has distinct characteristics and influences each other. Additionally, a fourth lineage exists, with a representative work at the Hyogo Prefectural Museum of History. This lineage includes content synthesized with the Shinjū-an version, providing new interpretations and ideas.
The Shinjū-an Version and Its Features
The “Hyakki Yagyo Zu” passed down at Shinjū-an in Kyoto is known as the oldest work. This piece features yokai that are anthropomorphized tools, and it is artistically very superior. The yokai depicted often have eyes, noses, hands, and feet, expressed almost like humans. This aspect became influential in later generations, leading to numerous copies in the Edo period.
Tool-based Yokai and Tsukumogami
A common feature in many “Hyakki Yagyo Emaki” is the presence of tool-based yokai, known as tsukumogami. This concept involves long-used tools gaining a soul and transforming into monsters. These characters, born from everyday items like pots and pans, are mysterious yet somehow familiar.
The Main Existing Works
Currently, several institutions house “Hyakki Yagyo Emaki.” Among them are the Ehime Prefectural Museum of History and Culture version and the Tokyo University of the Arts version. Each is depicted in slightly different styles, each with its uniqueness. Some even attempt to incorporate new ideas while using the same motifs.
The Ehime Prefectural Museum of History and Culture Version
This version is influenced by the Shinjū-an version and the Hyogo Prefectural Museum version (“Hyakki Yagyo Emaki”), featuring a wide variety of tool-based yokai, or tsukumogami. Because more are depicted than in other versions, you can see their rich expressions. Such a composition is rarely seen elsewhere and is unique to this version.
Influence and Re-evaluation in Modern Times
Interest in yokai culture remains high even today. The “Hyakki Yagyo Emaki” continues to be a focal point of attention. With new interpretations by artists like Kawanabe Kyosai and connections to pop culture by Shigeru Mizuki, its allure is being reaffirmed in various fields. Furthermore, these works, digitized through new media technologies, are now viewable not only in museums but also online.
Behind this is an interest in the uniquely eerie Japanese worldview. The humor and curiosity that can be felt alongside “fear” also contribute to the interest in this group of works.
In conclusion, we have explored the “Fear Engraved in Picture Scrolls──Hyakki Yagyo Emaki” in detail. Its depth and diversity will continue to be an attractive subject for researchers and the general public alike. Such traditional culture is indeed a unique aspect of Japanese interest.
What is the Hyakki Yagyo Emaki?
The Hyakki Yagyo Emaki is a picture scroll that visually expresses ancient Japanese yokai culture, depicting various yokai marching in a line along a night road. There are many variations of this scroll, but the most famous is the one housed at Shinjū-an in Kyoto, with others held at the University of Tokyo and the International Research Center for Japanese Studies. These do not merely depict fear but also reflect the imaginative culture and spirituality of the Japanese people.
What is the relationship between Hyakki Yagyo and ‘Tsukumogami Ki’?
The Hyakki Yagyo Emaki is related to ‘Tsukumogami Ki.’ In ‘Tsukumogami Ki,’ it is said that old tools transform into yokai, and this concept has influenced the Hyakki Yagyo Emaki. Many of the yokai depicted in the scrolls are transformed forms of everyday tools, and this theme is connected to “tsukumogami.”
Where can you see the Hyakki Yagyo Emaki?
There are multiple Hyakki Yagyo Emaki across Japan. Famous ones are housed at Shinjū-an in Kyoto, the Osaka City Museum of Fine Arts, and the National Diet Library. Some museums also exhibit them for a limited time, so visiting during those opportunities is recommended. Additionally, they may be available for viewing in digital archives.
Do these yokai actually exist?
The yokai depicted in the Hyakki Yagyo Emaki do not exist in reality. They are primarily fictional creatures born from people’s anxieties and fears about daily life. However, many characters are inspired by historical backgrounds and folk beliefs, deeply connecting them to Japanese culture.
Why do many different versions exist?
This is because the theme itself was popular with the masses, leading to numerous creations. Additionally, different regions and historical contexts resulted in unique interpretations and modifications, leading to diverse variations. Therefore, different forms and compositions can be seen in various places, which also draws academic interest.
What research findings are there?
In recent years, research has been conducted from various fields such as literature, folklore, and cultural anthropology. Thanks to the accumulated research findings, classification and lineage analysis have progressed. This academic exploration has led to deeper understanding and new discoveries.
An Overview and the Appeal of the Hyakki Yagyo Emaki
The “Hyakki Yagyo Emaki” is a collection of works symbolizing Japanese yokai culture, depicting yokai marching in groups at night. Many different versions were produced from the Muromachi period to the Meiji and Taisho eras, each with unique expressions and interpretations, widely housed both domestically and internationally. These scrolls offer a worldview different from everyday life, attracting interest from many researchers and enthusiasts.
Main Lineages and Representative Works
The “Hyakki Yagyo Emaki” is primarily classified into four lineages. The “Hyakki Yagyo Zu” housed at Shinjū-an is known as the oldest work and is of high artistic value. Other works with different characteristics are housed at the International Research Center for Japanese Studies and Kyoto City University of Arts. The fourth lineage includes the Hyogo Prefectural Museum of History version, each possessing uniqueness while influencing each other.
Tsukumogami and Tool-based Yokai
Many scrolls feature tool-based yokai known as tsukumogami. These are tools that have been used for many years, gaining a soul and transforming, possessing both mystery and familiarity. This concept is unique to Japan and has become influential in later generations through diverse character expressions.
Modern Influence and Evaluation
Today, the “Hyakki Yagyo Emaki” continues to attract interest as part of yokai culture. Not only traditional elements but also its allure is expanding through digitization with new media technologies. Additionally, new interpretations by artists like Kawanabe Kyosai and connections to pop culture by Shigeru Mizuki are also seen. Behind this is an interest in the uniquely eerie Japanese worldview.
In conclusion, the diversity and depth of the “Hyakki Yagyo Emaki” will continue to attract many people. This unique Japanese interest is important as a traditional culture.