Tanuki |
Tanuki (Raccoon Dogs). One of three common shapeshifting animals. Often disguised as a traveller, a priest, or a tea kettle (the story of Bunbuku Chagama).
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Kitsune |
Kitsune (Foxes). A messenger of the Shinto goddess Inari. One of three common shapeshifting animals. Sometimes depicted with up to nine tails.
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Supernatural Cats |
Supernatural cats (Neko). Including Monster Cats (Nekomata, Bakeneko) and Maneki Neko (Lucky Cats). One of three common shapeshifting animals. Sometimes depicted with two tails.
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Kappa |
Water spirits. Anthropomorphic turtles, with water-filled bowl-shaped depression on their head
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Oni |
Japanese demons, devils, or orges. Includes the Gods of Wind and Thunder, Fujin and Raijin, as they are usually depicted as Oni. Also includes Hannya, a female demon of vengance. Sometimes somewhat reptilian.
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Tengu |
Japanese bird demons. Karasu-Tengu (Crow Tengu) are depicted with wings, claws, and beaks. Tengu are depicted with more human faces, with long noses.
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Tsukumogami |
Objects that have transformed into Yokai. Including Chochin-obake (Lantern Monster), Kasa-Obake (Umbrella Monster), Ittan-Momen (Fabric Monster), and many others.
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Yurei |
Vengeful ghosts.
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Bakemono & Others |
Assorted Bakemono (monsters) and Yokai.
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Dragons |
Rain Dragons and Sky Dragons.
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Kirin |
Qilin in China. An "Asian Unicorn", similar to a composite of Dragon and Horse. Likely based on descriptions of Giraffes.
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Ho-o |
Phoenix, or Fenghua in China
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ShiShi |
Foo Dogs, Foo Lions, Komainu, or Shisa in Okinawa.
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Minogame |
Long lived turtle, with a "tail" of seaweed. Sometimes depicted with a dragon-like head.
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Baku |
A mythological Dream-Eater. A chimera-like animal, with the trunk of an elephant, and the body of a lion. Likely based on descriptions of a Tapir.
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Anthropomorphic Animals |
Moon Rabbit, Sparrow Dancers, and others
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Folk Heroes |
Kintaro, Momotaro, Urashimataro, Little One Inch, and others
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Seven Lucky Gods |
Fukurokuju, Daikoku, Ebisu, Jurojin, Hotei, Benzaiten, & Bishamonten. And the various symbols of the gods, including the Takarabune (Treasure Ship), Daikoku's Mallet, & Hotei's Sack.
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Sennin |
Immortal sages.
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Tennin |
Angelic beings.
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