What Is the Japanese Obake? A Creepy Mythological Ghost!
In the world of mythology JapanThere are so many supernatural creatures that intrigue us. From tragic ghosts and cute monsters to creatures born from inanimate objects.
Well, one interesting category of supernatural creatures worth discussing is the Japanese obake. Although often confused with yōkai or ghosts (yūrei), obake actually have unique characteristics that set them apart.
Curious about the origins and varieties of this iconic Obake? Check out the full review below!
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What is Japanese Obake?
The word obake (お化け) comes from the verb bakeru, meaning “to change shape” or “to transform.” In Japanese culture, an obake is a supernatural being that can change shape—from human, animal, plant, or even inanimate object.
Obake are often confused with yōkai, but they're not always the same. While yōkai has a broader meaning (all types of supernatural creatures), obake is more specific, referring to entities that change from their original form.
For example, an old cat that suddenly can talk and turns into a human—that's an obake. Or an umbrella that hundreds of years ago turned into a one-legged, one-eyed monster—that's also an obake.
The Origins of the Obake Concept
The concept of obake comes from the belief animism which has been rooted in Japan since ancient times. The Japanese believe that all objects—even inanimate objects—can possess spirits, especially those that are old.
When these objects are neglected or discarded, a feeling of "resentment" or spiritual energy can develop that transforms them into living creatures. This is where the belief of obake comes from.
This culture is also closely linked to the concept of tsukumogami, inanimate objects over 100 years old that then "come to life" as spiritual beings. Tsukumogami are often considered part of obake as well, as they undergo transformations.
Popular Types of Obake
Despite being often described as scary, some obake are actually popular and widely discussed. These include:
Kasa-Obake (Obake Umbrella)
Firstly, one of the most famous obake is kasa-obake. Meanwhile, this is a traditional Japanese umbrella that turns into a living creature. Its distinctive features: one big eye, one leg, and a long tongue that sticks out.
Despite their strange appearance, kasa-obake often appear in folk tales and festivals as cute characters. They're even sometimes used as horror mascots, though they're considered quite child-friendly.
Chōchin-Obake (Obake Lantern)
Then there's the Chōchin-Obake. Furthermore, this is an old lantern that transforms into a terrifying creature. It's usually depicted with a slit in the middle of its body, representing a mouth, complete with teeth and a tongue. It sometimes also has one or two eyes.
Chōchin-obake often appear at haunted houses or Obon festivals. Despite their frightening appearance, they're more likely to scare people—they don't kill.
Bake Neko
This one comes from an animal—a cat! A bake-neko is an old cat that transforms into a supernatural creature with supernatural powers. In stories, bake-neko can talk, transform into humans, or even control human spirits.
These cats often appear in folk legends with a mysterious and sometimes dangerous aura.
Rokurokubi
This type of obake appears to be a normal human during the day, but at night, its neck can stretch to an incredible length! Rokurokubi are known to frighten humans while they sleep, though they rarely attack directly.
Hitotsume-Kozō
A child-like creature with a single large eye in the center of its face. It usually wears a kimono and carries a lantern. Despite its somewhat frightening appearance, it's harmless—it just likes to scare people for fun.
The Difference Between Obake and Yūrei
Although the terms Obake and Yūrei are often considered similar—both are spirits in Japanese belief—they actually have fundamental differences.
Obake literally means “something that changes shape” or a creature that can transform, usually from its original form into something scary or strange.
They can be animals, humans, or even inanimate objects that undergo a transformation due to spiritual powers or curses. For example, change (kitsune) or raccoons (tanuki) that can disguise themselves as humans are a popular type of Obake.
Meanwhile, Yūrei are the spirits of people who have died but cannot rest in peace. They usually appear due to tragic deaths, grudges, or unfinished business in the human world.
Meanwhile, Yūrei is often depicted wearing a white kimono (a symbol of death), with long flowing hair and without legs, as we often see in films. horror Japanese like The Grudge or Ringu.
So, even though they are both supernatural creatures, Obake are more flexible in terms of form and background, while Yūrei are more specific to the spirits of deceased humans.
The Famous Story of Obake in Japanese Folklore
Interestingly, there are several iconic Japanese folk tales that are still passed down through generations. Here are the details:
Okiku and the Well
The story of a palace maid named Okiku who was accused of stealing her master's plate, then thrown into a well and died.
Later, her spirit appears as a Yūrei who keeps counting the plates (one… two… three…), and screams when it reaches nine. Although closer to a Yūrei, her spirit's transformation into a sinister entity makes her also considered an Obake.
Rokurokubi
A female creature whose neck can extend at night, usually appearing as an ordinary woman during the day. Her story contains elements of mystery and tragedy, as many Rokurokubi are cursed women.
Jorōgumo
Obake takes the form of a beautiful woman who can transform into a giant spider. She often lures men into her lair and then devours them. This story illustrates how appearances can be deceiving.
The Transformation of Obake into Modern Japanese Culture
Obake don't just live in folklore, they also exist in contemporary Japanese pop culture. You can find them in:
Anime and Manga
For example, in GeGeGe no Kitaro, Spirited Away, or Natsume Yuujinchou, many characters are inspired by classic obake.
Haunted House Ride (Obakeyashiki)
In Japan, haunted houses are a popular attraction, especially during the summer or Obon festival. The haunted house themes often incorporate classic obake concepts like kasa-obake and chōchin-obake.
Games & Toys
From traditional horror cards like obake karuta, to modern toys shaped like yokai characters, obake remain a fun part of the world of children and collectors.
Obon Festival
During this festival, many believe that ancestral spirits return to the human world. Stories about obake are often read to entertain and impart moral lessons.
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Japanese obake are fascinating creatures to study. They're not just "Japanese ghosts," but have unique backgrounds, forms, and philosophies.
From inanimate objects that come to life, to ancient animals that can transform into humans, obake add a touch of spookiness to Japanese cultural stories with magical elements that can send shivers down your spine.
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