The Charm and Background of the Night Parade of One Hundred Demons
The existence of yokai in Japanese traditional culture has fascinated many people since ancient times. Among them, the “Night Parade of One Hundred Demons” draws particular attention. This theme, depicted by Edo period artists, illustrates various yokai forming a procession at night. It is not merely meant to evoke fear or anxiety but also reflects Japan’s unique aesthetic sense and social background.
The “Illustrated Night Parade of One Hundred Demons” series by Toriyama Sekien is widely known as a representative work, inspiring many artists to follow in depicting yokai. This collection visually expresses the mystique of yokai and their connection to the otherworld, influencing later generations. Additionally, these picture scrolls include elements deeply tied to daily life and natural phenomena, making them more relatable.
Due to this background, the Night Parade of One Hundred Demons is not just a fantasy but remains a beloved and important theme rooted in Japanese culture.
What is the Night Parade of One Hundred Demons?
The Night Parade of One Hundred Demons depicts yokai and demons wandering in groups at midnight, as featured in Japanese folklore and tales. This phenomenon became widely known mainly through Edo period picture scrolls. Particularly, Toriyama Sekien’s “Illustrated Night Parade of One Hundred Demons” series vividly portrays the yokai, leaving a lasting impact. The parade features a wide variety of yokai, ranging from terrifying to humorous ones.
The Role and Characteristics of the Kasha
Kasha is known as a powerful yokai tasked with sending the dead to hell. It is depicted alongside a flaming cart, said to transport those who committed sins in life to the afterlife. The appearance of the kasha is extremely frightening and has long been feared by people. On the other hand, its visual representation holds a unique allure, leading many artists to depict it repeatedly.
The Underwater Schemer: Kappa
Kappa is a yokai beloved throughout Japan and also appears in the Night Parade of One Hundred Demons. Known for lurking by the water and dragging humans or horses in, this yokai influenced people’s daily lives. Its mischievous nature sometimes led to the destruction of fields, making its presence significant in agricultural societies. However, depending on how one interacted with kappa, it was sometimes considered a guardian of good harvests.
Expression by Picture Scrolls and Ukiyo-e Artists
The Night Parade of One Hundred Demons picture scrolls were crafted by many ukiyo-e artists, each adding their unique interpretation. Not only Toriyama Sekien but also his disciples and other renowned ukiyo-e artists depicted yokai in their own styles. A common feature of these works is the scarcity of snakes and dragons, possibly related to natural disasters like droughts at the time. Conversely, it is intriguing to note the frequent appearance of animal-like yokai deeply connected to agriculture, such as frogs.
The Enigmatic Entity “Buyobuyo”
Some Night Parade of One Hundred Demons picture scrolls depict a mysterious red fleshy yokai known as “Buyobuyo.” Such bizarre entities are expressed in various forms without specific names. This ambiguity itself adds a mysterious allure to the entire series for the audience.
Influence on Literature and Media
The theme of the Night Parade of One Hundred Demons has significantly influenced Japanese literature and manga since modern times. In Natsuhiko Kyogoku’s novel series “Kyogokudo,” this theme is intertwined with mystery elements and developed into a new interpretation. Additionally, its influence can be seen in the Japanese demon world culture reconstructed by Shigeru Mizuki. As such, it is being recognized not only by Japanese people but also worldwide as a continuous cultural heritage from classical to modern times.
Fusion with the Digital Age: “Cyber Night Parade of One Hundred Demons”
An intriguing example is the theme being explored in digital spaces under the title “Cyber Night Parade of One Hundred Demons.” In this virtual space, forgotten memories and fears are materialized, with “darkness” being performed in a new format, blending old and new. This attempt can be seen as a bridge between the past and the future.
As seen above, the concept of “darkness” involved in forming Japan’s unique mythological system is something that should be considered a cultural heritage worthy of preservation, containing the inherent aesthetic embodiment of fear that was once nearly lost.
What is the Night Parade of One Hundred Demons?
In Japanese legend, the Night Parade of One Hundred Demons refers to a night when yokai appear en masse. This phenomenon was widely recounted, especially from the Heian to the Muromachi periods. Various yokai are depicted in picture scrolls and literary works, capturing people’s fear and interest.
How is the date for the Night Parade of One Hundred Demons determined?
The “Night Parade of One Hundred Demons Day” is set on specific days, with different zodiac days assigned for each season, such as Rat days in January and February, Horse days in March and April, etc. These dates are recorded in ancient documents and memorized as “Rat Rat Horse Horse Snake Snake Dog Dog Sheep Sheep Dragon Dragon.”
What is the Void?
Void (Utsuhobou) is a mysterious yokai that appears at the end of the Night Parade of One Hundred Demons, with much speculation about its true nature. It is generally referred to as the “final boss,” and its appearance signifies the conclusion of the parade. There are few detailed records of its appearance or nature, sparking people’s imagination.
What are Chimi-Mouryou?
Chimi-Mouryou refers to widely known yokai in Japanese culture. Specifically, it is a collective term for various spirits and evil spirits arising from the natural world and human society, some of which are depicted in picture scrolls.
What impact do yokai have?
Yokai are not merely objects of fear but sometimes interact with human society. In some works, they are portrayed as entities full of pathos and humanity, occasionally helping people. However, in many cases, their appearance itself was regarded as an ominous event.
What is “Night Parade of One Hundred Demons Scroll”?
‘‘Night Parade of One Hundred Demons Scroll’‘ is a manga by Imai Kiko, set in a dark world adjacent to human society. This work explores the complex aspects of demons and their coexistence with humans. It features not only horror elements but also heartwarming storylines.
What is Natsuhiko Kyogoku’s “Night Parade of One Hundred Demons” series?
Natsuhiko Kyogoku’s “Night Parade of One Hundred Demons” series is highly acclaimed in the Japanese literary world. This series depicts various characters encountering yokai and transforming under their influence. Each story features a different yokai theme.
The Diverse Charm and Influence of the Night Parade of One Hundred Demons
The “Night Parade of One Hundred Demons,” depicted in the Edo period, is an indispensable theme in discussing Japanese yokai culture. This picture scroll illustrates various yokai wandering in groups, with Toriyama Sekien’s “Illustrated Night Parade of One Hundred Demons” series particularly influencing many subsequent works. Notable yokai like Kasha and Kappa appear, richly expressing their roles and characteristics.
Yokai like the kappa, which drags people into the water, or the kasha, which sends sinners to hell, are not just sources of fear but are deeply connected to daily life and natural phenomena in Japanese society. Therefore, they are relatable and have been uniquely interpreted by many artists.
Additionally, the mysterious yokai known as “Buyobuyo” offers an enigmatic charm to the audience due to its ambiguity. These are not mere fantasies but are rooted in Japanese culture, continuing to be cherished by people.
Furthermore, since modern times, it has significantly influenced literature and media. In Natsuhiko Kyogoku’s novel series “Kyogokudo,” this theme is combined with mystery elements and reinterpreted from a new perspective. Also, reconstructed by Shigeru Mizuki as Japanese demon world culture, its influence is beginning to spread worldwide.
In this way, the “Night Parade of One Hundred Demons” conveys its charm and significance as a unique cultural heritage of Japan to the present day, progressing in fusion with the digital age. By being developed in digital spaces, its value is being bridged into the future.