The Mystical Parade of Yokai
Japanese traditional culture is rich with various stories and legends. Among them, the phenomenon known as “Hyakki Yagyo” is particularly intriguing. This term refers to the spectacle of many demons and yokai parading through the night in a procession, captivating people from ancient times to the present. Their appearances are vividly depicted in scrolls from the Muromachi period, and it is also famous as a folktale passed down across Japan.
“Hyakki Yagyo” is not merely something that incites fear; it holds deep meanings rooted in cultural and historical contexts. This phenomenon blurs the boundaries between people’s daily lives and the extraordinary, serving as a key to inviting them into a world rich with imagination. Exploring the enigmatic allure of how these yokai conduct their night parade can be a great opportunity to deepen one’s understanding of Japanese culture.
The Origins and Background of Hyakki Yagyo
Hyakki Yagyo refers to the grand procession of demons and yokai wandering through the midnight darkness, as depicted in tales and scrolls from ancient Japan to the Muromachi period. The term is composed of two elements: “Hyakki,” meaning a variety of yokai, and “Yagyo,” indicating a procession through the darkness. Originally portrayed as terrifying beings, their expressions have evolved over time to also show humorous aspects.
What is the Hyakki Yagyo Emaki?
Hyakki Yagyo Emaki is a collection of works that visually capture the appearances of these yokai. Particularly famous are the series of scrolls from the Muromachi period, with the ones housed at Kyoto’s Daitokuji Shinju-an being recognized as representative works. These scrolls depict numerous yokai marching in a line, culminating in their hasty retreat upon the appearance of the sun. The scrolls feature 99 yokai, each with unique personalities and characteristics.
Main Yokai Featured
Hyakki Yagyo features a wide variety of yokai, each with different backgrounds and roles, but some stand out more prominently.
1. Tengu: Said to reside in mountainous areas, Tengu are known for their red faces, long noses, and feathered caps, often playing pranks or imparting moral lessons to people.
2. Kappa: Aquatic yokai living near rivers and ponds, Kappa are characterized by their small bodies, dish-like heads, and webbed hands and feet. Many stories of interactions with humans remain.
3. Nurarihyon: A laid-back yokai known for sneaking into homes and making themselves comfortable. Due to their composed demeanor, they are sometimes referred to as the “Supreme Commander.”
In addition to these, countless unique characters exist, each deeply connected to Japanese culture.
The Influence of Hyakki Yagyo on Modern Culture
Even today, the term and concept of “Hyakki Yagyo” continue to exert a strong influence on Japanese culture, particularly in literature, art, and entertainment. For example, this theme is repeatedly explored in novels, films, and animations, often revived with new interpretations and story developments. In Shigeru Mizuki’s “GeGeGe no Kitaro” series, it has been reimagined with a diverse cast of characters. In this way, Hyakki Yagyo remains closely connected to the daily lives of Japanese people.
Comparison with Other Cultures
Interestingly, while Hyakki Yagyo seems uniquely Japanese, similar traditions exist in the West. There are similarities with Western culture, where ghosts and witches are said to be active during Halloween, suggesting that reverence for the supernatural is universal. Each region has its unique interpretations and expressions, offering new discoveries when understood from a multifaceted perspective.
Conclusion: A Mystical and Enchanting Worldview
As discussed, Hyakki Yagyo is not merely a tale of terror but a profound insight into Japanese culture, history, and society. Behind it lies a warning or satire about human society, with messages deeper than its apparent eeriness. This theme, continually reinterpreted by artists of each era, embodies the unique, eerie charm of Japan. Why not embark on this mystical cruise and explore it with curiosity?
What is Hyakki Yagyo?
Hyakki Yagyo refers to the spectacle of yokai, primarily featured in Japanese legends and scrolls, parading through the night. This phenomenon is depicted in the Muromachi period’s “Hyakki Yagyo Emaki,” humorously illustrating yokai marching through the darkness.
What is the “Hyakki Yagyo” event held in Kyoto?
In Kyoto, the “Hyakki Yagyo Festival” is held annually on Ichijo Shopping Street. During this event, about 60 yokai parade through the shopping street. Started in 2005, this festival has become a popular annual event among locals and tourists.
Why do yokai operate at night?
Yokai are often associated with darkness. Especially supernatural beings like demons and ghosts have been both feared and fascinating subjects throughout history. To create a quiet and mystical atmosphere, they are said to be active mainly at night.
What kind of yokai are depicted in the Hyakki Yagyo Emaki?
“Hyakki Yagyo Emaki” features a diverse array of yokai. In addition to the famous blue and red demons, there are various forms such as a monk’s staff, a biwa, and a woman with blackened teeth. Each character has its uniqueness and humor, reflecting a deep understanding of Japanese culture and history.
Can you view the Hyakki Yagyo Emaki?
“Hyakki Yagyo Emaki”
– Housed at Daitokuji Shinju-an – is sometimes exhibited at art museums. However, it is recommended to check exhibition information in advance.
The Charm and Influence of Hyakki Yagyo
Hyakki Yagyo refers to the grand procession of yokai passed down from ancient Japan to the Muromachi period. This phenomenon is known not just as a tale of terror but as an essential element for understanding Japanese culture and history. The “Hyakki Yagyo Emaki” from the Muromachi period intricately depicts various yokai, visualizing their procession.
Even today, Hyakki Yagyo continues to influence literature, art, and pop culture. Its themes are frequently explored in novels, films, and animations, breathing new life into it through fresh interpretations. In series like “GeGeGe no Kitaro,” its enchanting worldview is carried into the modern era through a diverse cast of characters.
Additionally, its similarities with other countries’ traditions are intriguing. When compared to Western culture’s Halloween, it shares the universal theme of reverence for the supernatural, making it valuable to understand from a multifaceted perspective. In this way, Hyakki Yagyo is deeply rooted not only in Japan’s unique eerie charm but also in people’s daily lives and imagination.