Faculty Sponsor(s)
Masayuki Itomitsu
Location
Jereld R. Nicholson Library
Subject Area
Modern Languages
Description
The uniqueness of yōkai is not only its numerous and diverse characters specifically, but also its holistic impact on Japanese popular culture. By studying yōkai's history, I found that the meanings and categories of "yōkai" have changed according to people's perception of the unknown and supernatural world. In addition, yōkai's image and story evolved to accordingly cope with the unknown. Finally, I note that media has a direct influence to how people visualize and narrate yōkai. I conclude that these factors regarding yōkai's creation and evolution affect how we recognize them in today's pop culture.
Recommended Citation
Inaba, Lauren M., "Yōkai in Japanese Popular Culture Today" (2015). Linfield University Student Symposium: A Celebration of Scholarship and Creative Achievement. Event. Submission 37.
https://digitalcommons.linfield.edu/symposium/2015/all/37
Yōkai in Japanese Popular Culture Today
Jereld R. Nicholson Library
The uniqueness of yōkai is not only its numerous and diverse characters specifically, but also its holistic impact on Japanese popular culture. By studying yōkai's history, I found that the meanings and categories of "yōkai" have changed according to people's perception of the unknown and supernatural world. In addition, yōkai's image and story evolved to accordingly cope with the unknown. Finally, I note that media has a direct influence to how people visualize and narrate yōkai. I conclude that these factors regarding yōkai's creation and evolution affect how we recognize them in today's pop culture.
