The Street Mysterious Entities Gather Together

Mizuki Shigeru Memorial Museum

(Sakaiminato City, Tottori Prefecture)

【Yokai（妖怪）】 are supernatural entities from Japanese folklore, often depicted as mysterious and inexplicable beings. Unlike typical ghosts or spirits, Yokai encompass a wide range of creatures, from mischievous spirits to malevolent monsters. Ancient Japanese people believed that every object, even inanimate ones like tools or garbage, could possess a spirit. When unexplainable events occurred, they were often attributed to the actions of Yokai. These entities have long been a source of both fear and fascination, embodying the awe and respect people have for the unknown. They also played a role in disciplining people’s lives, especially for children.

Shigeru Mizuki, one of Japan’s most beloved comic artists, renowned for his works featuring Yokai, ‘GeGeGe no Kitarō,’ which became a TV animation in 1968 and sparked a nationwide Yokai boom.

His comics were influenced by his boyhood memories of folklore told by an elderly housemaid, who was a religious person. Around 1930, subways were opening in Tokyo and Osaka, and homes were starting to get electricity, gas, and running water. It was a time when life was gradually becoming more convenient. However, people still lived with superstitions, infectious diseases, and the constant threat of death from unexplained causes.

She had extensive knowledge about the mysterious world of Yokai. For example, “If you do not clean the bathtub, the Yokai ‘Akaname’ will come to lick the grime,” and “If you leave an old rag lying around, it will turn into the Yokai ‘Shirouneri’.” She didn’t just tell these stories as mysteries; she used them to impart moral lessons. People grew up with the souls of others, the spirits of the deceased, and the spirits of objects they have interacted with. Just because something is invisible doesn’t mean it doesn’t exist. These entities watch over your misbehaviors.

There is a town where you can enter the world of Yokai: Sakaiminato City in Tottori Prefecture, where Mizuki lived during his boyhood with his family and the elderly woman. The city is situated at the last station of the JR Sakai Line. As you step onto the train bound for the city, you already enter the world of Yokai. The inside and outside of the train are filled with Yokai characters from his comics, welcoming you.

Right in front of JR Sakaiminato Station is “Mizuki Shigeru Road,” named in tribute to him. The road not only celebrates his artistic achievements but also his deep connection to the folklore that inspired his stories. Walking along the road, you’ll encounter a variety of Yokai from Japanese folklore and Mizuki’s original creations. Among them are Nezumi-Otoko (Mouse Man), Mizuki’s favorite, known for his laziness, greed for money, and bad smell, as well as ‘Akaname’ and ‘Shirouneri,’ which the elderly housemaid had told him about.

At the end of the road is the “Mizuki Shigeru Memorial Museum,” which offers a fascinating glimpse into his journey through life from boyhood to becoming a renowned comic artist.

As evening falls, the atmosphere on Mizuki Shigeru Road becomes even more enchanting. The number of Yokai seems to multiply as they emerge from the shadows, creating a magical and slightly eerie ambiance. It’s a perfect time for a leisurely stroll, allowing the imagination to wander and perhaps even feel the presence of these mystical beings.