YOKAI: JAPANESE DEMONS

In the world of Japanese fashion, culture and mythology play an essential role, inspiring everything from textile patterns to accessories. Among these influences are the Yōkai, supernatural beings from Japanese folklore known for their diverse forms and characteristics.

 

WHAT ARE YŌKAI?

Yōkai are a broad category of supernatural creatures in Japanese mythology, encompassing spirits, demons, monsters, and minor gods. These beings can be benevolent, malevolent, or simply mischievous, each possessing unique traits and abilities. Yōkai have been an integral part of Japanese folklore for centuries, appearing in folk tales, theater, art, and more recently, in fashion and pop culture. 

 

TYPES OF YŌKAI

The variety of Yōkai is vast, but they can be classified into several categories, such as:

• Tengu: Bird-like beings often considered protectors of mountains and forests.
• Oni: Giant, powerful demons known for their strength and ferocity.
• Yurei: Ghosts or spirits of the dead who have not found peace.
• Tsukumogami: Inanimate objects that come to life after a hundred years.

Let's delve into three Yōkai that have inspired Zanami's latest exclusive garments: the Inugami, the Ōkami, and the Kitsune.

 

INUGAMI: THE DOG SPIRIT (犬神)

The Inugami ("dog god") is a spirit that takes the form of a dog. Known for their loyalty and power, they are often summoned to protect or avenge their owners. This spirit mixes both benevolent and malevolent attributes.

Their origin lies in ancient Japanese practices of witchcraft and shamanism. According to legends, they are created through a dark and painful ritual involving the death of a dog. This ritual, known as Inugami-suji, involved decapitating a dog and burying its head at a crossroads. Through prayers and incantations, the dog's spirit was summoned to serve the sorcerer performing the ritual.

The purpose of summoning an Inugami varied, but it was generally done for protection, revenge, or specific tasks. Once created, the Inugami was extremely loyal to its master, though this loyalty could become dangerous if not properly managed.

CHARACTERISTICS AND ABILITIES

• Loyalty: Absolute loyalty to its master, whom they will protect and serve even if it means harming others.
• Spiritual Form: Though they can be summoned through rituals, they are essentially spirits and do not have a permanent physical form. They can possess humans or animals and can also become invisible to spy or attack.
• Supernatural Powers: They can fly, become invisible, and possess superhuman strength. They can also communicate telepathically with their master.
• Control Rituals: Their masters must perform specific rituals to maintain control over these spirits. If these rituals are neglected, the Inugami can turn against its master.

 

ŌKAMI : THE GREAT WOLF (狼)

The Ōkami ("wolf") represents wild nature and indomitable strength. These beings are not only seen as guardians and protectors of forests and mountains but also symbolize strength, nobility, and ferocity.

In ancient Japanese mythology, wolves were considered messengers of the gods and protectors of farmers, helping to control the population of animals that damaged crops.

CHARACTERISTICS AND ABILITIES

• Protectors of Nature: They are guardians of forests and mountains. They protect these natural spaces and the creatures that inhabit them, maintaining ecological balance.
• Spiritual Guides: They act as spiritual guides for travelers and those lost in the forests, helping them find their way and protecting them from dangers.
• Strength and Ferocity: They possess great strength and ferocity. They are feared and respected, capable of fighting against both natural and supernatural threats.
• Communication with the Gods: They are considered intermediaries between humans and the gods. Through them, humans can send messages to the gods and receive divine guidance.

 

KITSUNE: THE MAGICAL FOX (狐)

The Kitsune ("fox") is perhaps one of the most famous and beloved Yōkai. These supernatural foxes are known for their intelligence, cunning, and ability to transform into humans.

They are considered magical beings with the ability to shapeshift and possess multiple tails. It is believed that the more tails a Kitsune has, the greater its power and wisdom, reaching up to nine tails, which is the highest level of power, symbolizing their longevity and supernatural abilities.

CHARACTERISTICS AND ABILITIES

• Transformation: They have the ability to transform into humans, often adopting the form of a beautiful woman or handsome man. This allows them to interact with humans and sometimes deceive them.
• Magic and Witchcraft: They possess magical powers that include the ability to create illusions, possess humans, and control fire (kitsunebi). Some legends also attribute them with the ability to fly and become invisible.
• Longevity and Wisdom: They are long-lived beings that acquire more tails and powers as they age. A nine-tailed Kitsune is extremely powerful and wise.
• Loyalty and Protection: Although some Kitsune are known for being mischievous and deceptive, others are benevolent and act as protectors and guardians. In particular, those that serve the goddess Inari are seen as benevolent spirits that protect homes and crops.

TYPES OF KITSUNE

There are two main categories of Kitsune in Japanese mythology:

• Zenko (善狐): These are the good Kitsune that serve Inari, the deity of rice, fertility, and prosperity. Zenko are divine messengers and protectors, often associated with good fortune.
• Yako (野狐): Also known as Nogitsune, they are more mischievous and sometimes malicious. They like to deceive humans for fun or revenge, using their powers to create confusion and chaos.

 

ZANAMI AND THE YŌKAI

At the intersection of contemporary fashion and rich Japanese mythology, Zanami presents its latest collection of pants inspired by the enigmatic Yōkai. Each design encapsulates the essence and spirit of three iconic supernatural beings: Inugami, Ōkami, and Kitsune. Each piece has been carefully handmade, and there is only one unit in the world.