Introducing recommended yokai books: Gain knowledge now!

Well, because of that thing, it looks like I'll be spending a little more time at home.Itsu ShintenAt this point, you may start to feel resentful and wonder, "How long will this go on...?"

I think it's best to take advantage of these times and use them as a time to stock up on yokai knowledge. So today, I'd like to introduce some yokai books that I recommend for this time.
These are reliable books that will provide you with good entertainment.

If you read this, you'll have it all covered!

"Introduction to Yokai Culture"
It explains in a very easy-to-understand way the origins of yokai and what yokai are, making it a great introductory book. It was previously introduced in an introductory article on this site, but important things should be said twice, so I will introduce it here again.
Possession
-Yokai
・Kappa
·demon
・Tengu and Yamauba
·ghost
Foreigner/Sacrifice
·boundary
The book breaks down and explains the elements that make up these yokai, and its analysis is based on a historical perspective, so it is persuasive. It also briefly summarizes Kunio Yanagita's folklore studies and Enryo Inoue's yokai studies, so it is a recommended book that covers a wide range of topics.
Professor Kazuhiko Komatsu's yokai studies are very logical, so even beginners can follow along!

Join the pilgrims!

Long ago, any Japanese person could see supernatural creatures. Their souls would leave their bodies, or be possessed by foxes. There were also demons and kappa. Now, a lid has been put on this irrational world. However, with all the talk of the end of the century, it's inevitable that strange phenomena won't return. A pilgrimage group was formed to appease the supernatural creatures that had begun to wield their spiritual powers, and the spirits of strange lands. This unusual occult report follows their footsteps. (From the synopsis)
Is there a more enticing summary than this? No, there isn't. (Rhetoric)
Although it is a fairly old book, having been published in 1991, it is a book that beautifully demonstrates that new information is not always good.
There are also photos, so it's fun to feel as if you're on a journey with the characters. It tells us that there are many monsters lurking in Tokyo as well.

A guidebook by the "Yokai Baka" team

The "Yokai Baka" team bring you the deciphering of the Hyakki. The book mainly features yokai that appear in the "Yakkou of One Hundred Demons" series written by Kyogoku Natsuhiko, so we recommend that you pick up this book after reading the series. However, we guarantee that even if you haven't read the series, you will be able to enjoy this book on its own.
Tada Katsumi's explanations of yokai are strictly academic, and he proceeds in a unique and calm manner, weaving in a variety of knowledge.
This is a book that should be read by a world where yokai are loved as mascots. By deciphering the many aspects of yokai - psychological, philosophical, scientific, logical - you will understand the depth and fascination of yokai, as well as their origins.
It is no exaggeration to say that this is a modern version of the Night Parade of One Hundred Demons painting based on Toriyama Sekien's Night Parade of One Hundred Demons.

　　

From here on, I will introduce the story.

Even hell depends on money...

"Even the fate of Hell depends on money. If you have the money and the determination to shoulder the burden of your sins, why not entrust your grudge to Koudou? We won't do anything bad to you. We'll make sure you have a resolution within a week."
A mystery horror set in modern Japan, intertwining darkness and the supernatural. It is a novel in a format similar to a short story collection, with several stories collected in one volume. With themes of fairy tales and monsters, the story progresses in a way that is close to rewarding good and punishing evil, although it is not.
The theme and atmosphere are very impressive, so those who like it will be hooked. However, the descriptions of Onmyoji are a little vague. But it's worth reading!

Beautiful Boy from Hell

A mystery about a beautiful boy who works as a "Hell Agent" delivering sinners to hell on behalf of demons, and a young man with the ability to see sinners as monsters.
The setting and writing are solid, so I think this is a monster horror story that you can read with confidence. The incident itself is gruesome, and although there are some grotesque depictions, the ending and the way it is resolved are convincing. Perhaps because the characters are depicted as cherishing the hearts of others, you can sympathize with them.
A criminal who is matched to the yokai appears, and incidents occur that are similar to the yokai's anecdotes, so if you have even a little knowledge of yokai, you can enjoy the story by guessing "With this yokai, I guess the ending will be something like this?"

A novel with bugs crawling up your back

I want you to read it (crying)
Although ghosts don't actually appear, it is frightening, as if the ground beneath your feet is shaking and the floor is collapsing.
These mysterious tales are more mysterious than ghost stories and stranger than tales of the extraordinary. Here you will find another world of Kyogoku novels, where exquisite beauty and eeriness are mixed together. (From the description)
The writing style, ending, and after-reading feeling are like the scent of ghostly incense. This is my favorite ghost story book I've ever read. Some people may find it unsettling, but I think that's how a ghost story should be. Just as not everything in life has a neat punchline, we shouldn't expect a perfect punchline from a ghost story.

Imagination is the scariest thing

What do you think when you read that one line? I think it's different for each person. It's just one line, but it's still one line. How far can you imagine the strangeness packed into that one line? This is a book that makes you feel like you're being tested.
The stories are really short, so you can read them quickly. This is a book that even people who are not good at reading printed text can enjoy. There are many stories, so some are memorable and some are not, but there are some that give you the chills when you think about them before going to bed. The idea of condensing a ghost story into one sentence is very interesting.
It is up to the reader to write the rest of this untitled ghost story...

　

What did you think? Some of the books are available to read on Kindle, so I hope you'll pick them up.

 ▼Kido Kai: He admired Shuten Doji. 
Works written: "Kitai", "Yuuu", "Oeyama Sake Dojiden", "Introduction to Juvenile Studies"  
site:note.com/jyaiboteno