Delving into the Mysterious Charm Reveals the Japanese Heart!? "The Textbook of Yokai: Know Their Roots, Love Them More" to be Released July 15

Natsume-sha Co., Ltd. (Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, Representative Director: Masataka Tamura), a publisher of practical books, children's books, and educational books, will release "The Textbook of Yokai: Know Their Roots, Love Them More" (https://amzn.asia/d/0i5YKOnK) on July 15.

Knowing Yokai is Knowing Japan!?

Yokai, who are scary yet somehow endearing. In reality, they are very familiar beings born from the "fear of nature" and "wisdom of life" of ancient Japanese people. By unraveling the reasons for the birth and changes of yokai, you will arrive at the "Japanese heart" that you know yet don't know, such as culture, customs, historical background, religious views, and regional characteristics! This book will surely make you love yokai and the Japanese culture that created them even more.

Rich in Yokai Legends and Episodes!

In Chapter 3, which is a compendium, various yokai are introduced by category, exploring their legends, episodes, and true identities. Even the same yokai have different names and legends depending on the region, and there are surprising discoveries such as unexpected connections between yokai. The illustrations are by Sakyu, who is very popular on social media, and are used throughout the book. They depict the charm of yokai to the fullest, including their coolness in wielding powers beyond human comprehension, their chilling terror, and their endearing cuteness!

Where Did the Yokai Go? From the Current Location of Yokai to "Spots You Can Visit"!

With the advancement of science, it seems that yokai have gradually disappeared. However, they still lurk around us even today. New stories continue to be born as "urban legends" and "internet ghost stories," and you can feel their presence in places where legends originated, or encounter them in entertainment and art. We also introduce many ways to enjoy various "modern yokai".

【Main Table of Contents】

Chapter 1: Who are Yokai?

Chapter 2: The History of Yokai

Chapter 3: Classification and Ecology of Yokai / Yokai of Mountains and Fields / Yokai of Watersides / Biological Yokai / Yokai of Objects / Yokai in Human Form / Various Oni

Chapter 4: The Relationship Between Humans and Yokai

Chapter 5: Modern Yokai and the Future

【Supervisor Introduction】

Shingo Ito

Professor at Hirosaki Gakuin University. He researches narrative literature and character culture, focusing on Japanese yokai culture. He presides over "Irui no Kai" (Association of the Other Kind), which provides research reports, information, and discussions on non-human characters. His edited works include "Supernatural Beings and Yokai in Literature" (Kawade Shobo Shinsha), "Biographical Series: Prehistory of Yokai Studies," and "Super Introduction to Otogizoshi" (all published by Bensei Publishing).

【Book Information】

"The Textbook of Yokai: Know Their Roots, Love Them More"

Supervisor: Shingo Ito

Publisher: Natsume-sha

Price: 1,980 yen (tax included)

Specifications: A5 size / 224 pages / All color

Release Date: July 15, 2026

Amazon ⇒https://amzn.asia/d/0i5YKOnK

【Inquiries Regarding This Release】

Natsume Publishing Planning Co., Ltd. Editorial Department

TEL: 03-3295-3921 FAX: 03-3291-1305

E-mail: [email protected]

3F, Natsume-sha Building, 1-52 Kanda-Jimbocho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 101-0051

https://www.natsume.co.jp/