obake

Obake is a broad term in Japanese folklore referring to supernatural entities or spirits. These beings can range from harmless apparitions to malevolent spirits, and their forms are incredibly diverse. Often, obake are the spirits of humans or animals who have died under unusual or tragic circumstances, or who have lived unusually long lives and gained magical powers. The word "obake" itself can be translated as "change" or "to change," alluding to their ability to transform into various shapes, often to deceive or frighten humans.

Common forms of obake include yurei, which are the ghosts of the deceased who are unable to pass on to the afterlife due to unfinished business or strong emotions, and tsukumogami, household objects that have gained sentience and a spirit after existing for a hundred years. Other types of obake might manifest as disembodied heads, strange lights, or even familiar animals with unnatural characteristics. Their appearances are often accompanied by eerie phenomena such as sudden drops in temperature, strange sounds, or foul odors.

The concept of obake is deeply ingrained in Japanese culture, appearing in countless stories, legends, and artistic depictions. They serve as cautionary tales, explanations for unexplained events, and reflections of societal fears and anxieties. While some obake are depicted as terrifying, others are portrayed with a degree of sympathy or even humor, highlighting the complex and nuanced nature of these supernatural beings in Japanese folklore.