curious ordinary
@curiousordinary.bsky.social
▪️Folklore▪️Myth▪️Magic▪️Art▪️
Sharing Japanese and supernatural folklore, mythology, yokai, culture and art. Also love books, cats, crows and trees.
http://linktr.ee/curiousordinary
Sharing Japanese and supernatural folklore, mythology, yokai, culture and art. Also love books, cats, crows and trees.
http://linktr.ee/curiousordinary
In #JapaneseFolklore, there are two #yokai related to sleep. Kanashibari, which manifests as a type of sleep paralysis, and makuragaeshi, a ghostly spirit that throws around your pillow at night. You can read more about them in the thread below.
#FolkyFriday
#FolkyFriday
In #JapaneseFolklore kanashibari is the term used for sleep paralysis, which can feel like the real and dream worlds are mixing. In past times, this phenomenon was attributed to supernatural forces, and in some cases spirit possession by #yokai, particularly kitsune or tanuki.
#WyrdWednesday
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#WyrdWednesday
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November 14, 2025 at 8:25 AM
In #JapaneseFolklore, there are two #yokai related to sleep. Kanashibari, which manifests as a type of sleep paralysis, and makuragaeshi, a ghostly spirit that throws around your pillow at night. You can read more about them in the thread below.
#FolkyFriday
#FolkyFriday
'Hanando of the Ogiya, Kamuro Momiji and Sakura' - Kikugawa Eizan, 1809. From the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston collection.
#JapaneseArt #ukiyoe
#JapaneseArt #ukiyoe
November 13, 2025 at 12:10 PM
'Hanando of the Ogiya, Kamuro Momiji and Sakura' - Kikugawa Eizan, 1809. From the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston collection.
#JapaneseArt #ukiyoe
#JapaneseArt #ukiyoe
Hyakumonogatari Kaidankai was a Japanese storytelling game popular during the Edo period. These gatherings were held on summer nights and to begin 100 candles or lamps were lit. Participants then took turns to tell 100 ghost stories (kaidan). After each story, a candle was...
#MythologyMonday
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#MythologyMonday
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November 13, 2025 at 11:40 AM
Reposted by curious ordinary
'Autumn in Oirase' from 'A Collection of Scenic Views of Japan; Eastern Japan Edition' - Kawase Hasui, 1933.
#JapaneseArt #shinhanga
#JapaneseArt #shinhanga
October 25, 2025 at 1:00 AM
'Autumn in Oirase' from 'A Collection of Scenic Views of Japan; Eastern Japan Edition' - Kawase Hasui, 1933.
#JapaneseArt #shinhanga
#JapaneseArt #shinhanga
Reposted by curious ordinary
The Butterfly Lovers is considered one of China’s four great folktales. Set in the Eastern Jin dynasty, it tells the tragic love story of Liang Shanbo and Zhu Yingtai. Zhu was the only daughter of a wealthy family. Despite living in a time when women were not allowed to...
#LegendaryWednesday
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#LegendaryWednesday
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September 17, 2025 at 11:56 AM
The Butterfly Lovers is considered one of China’s four great folktales. Set in the Eastern Jin dynasty, it tells the tragic love story of Liang Shanbo and Zhu Yingtai. Zhu was the only daughter of a wealthy family. Despite living in a time when women were not allowed to...
#LegendaryWednesday
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#LegendaryWednesday
1/6
Reposted by curious ordinary
Ohaguro was a traditional Japanese custom of dying teeth black and was a symbol of beauty practiced predominantly by married women. There is a #yokai called Ohaguro Bettari that initially appears as a beautiful woman. She beckons men, hiding her face until they get close.
#LegendaryWednesday
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#LegendaryWednesday
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August 13, 2025 at 1:49 PM
Ohaguro was a traditional Japanese custom of dying teeth black and was a symbol of beauty practiced predominantly by married women. There is a #yokai called Ohaguro Bettari that initially appears as a beautiful woman. She beckons men, hiding her face until they get close.
#LegendaryWednesday
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#LegendaryWednesday
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Reposted by curious ordinary
In #JapaneseFolklore there is a #yokai known as hone onna (bone woman). This yokai occurs when a woman dies but her love for the one she left behind in life continues. She is able to return and be with her lover from beyond the grave. To her lover she appears young and...
#WyrdWednesday
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#WyrdWednesday
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September 10, 2025 at 1:37 PM
In #JapaneseFolklore there is a #yokai known as hone onna (bone woman). This yokai occurs when a woman dies but her love for the one she left behind in life continues. She is able to return and be with her lover from beyond the grave. To her lover she appears young and...
#WyrdWednesday
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#WyrdWednesday
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Reposted by curious ordinary
1Q84 is a dystopian novel by Japanese author Haruki Murakami. It's a bizarre tale about a woman who finds herself in a parallel reality. Haruki Murakami does what he does best, sucks you into his bizarre world then spits you out with more questions than answers and an...
#WyrdWednesday
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#WyrdWednesday
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July 30, 2025 at 11:42 AM
1Q84 is a dystopian novel by Japanese author Haruki Murakami. It's a bizarre tale about a woman who finds herself in a parallel reality. Haruki Murakami does what he does best, sucks you into his bizarre world then spits you out with more questions than answers and an...
#WyrdWednesday
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#WyrdWednesday
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Reposted by curious ordinary
Happy Yokai Day!
"Yokai: Shigeru Mizuki's Supernatural Parade" is out today! This is a tremendous collection of Mizuki's artwork, yokai encyclopedias, and an essay from me about Mizuki's role as a folklorist in Japan.
amzn.to/488rQU2
@dandq.bsky.social
"Yokai: Shigeru Mizuki's Supernatural Parade" is out today! This is a tremendous collection of Mizuki's artwork, yokai encyclopedias, and an essay from me about Mizuki's role as a folklorist in Japan.
amzn.to/488rQU2
@dandq.bsky.social
November 11, 2025 at 11:34 PM
Happy Yokai Day!
"Yokai: Shigeru Mizuki's Supernatural Parade" is out today! This is a tremendous collection of Mizuki's artwork, yokai encyclopedias, and an essay from me about Mizuki's role as a folklorist in Japan.
amzn.to/488rQU2
@dandq.bsky.social
"Yokai: Shigeru Mizuki's Supernatural Parade" is out today! This is a tremendous collection of Mizuki's artwork, yokai encyclopedias, and an essay from me about Mizuki's role as a folklorist in Japan.
amzn.to/488rQU2
@dandq.bsky.social
Reposted by curious ordinary
November 11, 2025 at 1:30 PM
Reposted by curious ordinary
In Daoist astrology, autumn is the time of the White Tiger of the West and the element of metal. It represents a movement inward, a time to reflect, to grieve, and to celebrate the good things life brings, in preparation for the harsh truths of winter. #FolkloreSunday
November 9, 2025 at 1:56 PM
In Daoist astrology, autumn is the time of the White Tiger of the West and the element of metal. It represents a movement inward, a time to reflect, to grieve, and to celebrate the good things life brings, in preparation for the harsh truths of winter. #FolkloreSunday
Reposted by curious ordinary
Senbiki okami is a supernatural phenomenon relating to large packs of wolves that is found throughout #JapaneseFolklore. This strange #yokai occurrence tends to involve travellers being chased at night by wolves where their only option to save themselves is to climb up a very...
#MythologyMonday
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#MythologyMonday
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October 20, 2025 at 11:53 AM
Senbiki okami is a supernatural phenomenon relating to large packs of wolves that is found throughout #JapaneseFolklore. This strange #yokai occurrence tends to involve travellers being chased at night by wolves where their only option to save themselves is to climb up a very...
#MythologyMonday
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#MythologyMonday
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Reposted by curious ordinary
October 6, 2025 at 1:23 PM
Reposted by curious ordinary
There is a #yokai known as kosenjobi (translates as ancient battlefield fire) that are found in places where battles have been fought and many deaths have occurred. They appear as groups of flaming balls floating around forlornly over ancient battlefields.
🎨Matthew Meyer @yokai.com
#MythologyMonday
🎨Matthew Meyer @yokai.com
#MythologyMonday
September 29, 2025 at 11:53 AM
There is a #yokai known as kosenjobi (translates as ancient battlefield fire) that are found in places where battles have been fought and many deaths have occurred. They appear as groups of flaming balls floating around forlornly over ancient battlefields.
🎨Matthew Meyer @yokai.com
#MythologyMonday
🎨Matthew Meyer @yokai.com
#MythologyMonday
Reposted by curious ordinary
October 26, 2025 at 11:51 PM
The cover of an e-hon (picture book) from a series of books titled 'Yamato Bunko.' This 1861 cover print is by Utagawa Kunisada and depicts a cat on a kotatsu (foot warmer).
#Caturday #JapaneseArt
#Caturday #JapaneseArt
November 8, 2025 at 12:55 AM
The cover of an e-hon (picture book) from a series of books titled 'Yamato Bunko.' This 1861 cover print is by Utagawa Kunisada and depicts a cat on a kotatsu (foot warmer).
#Caturday #JapaneseArt
#Caturday #JapaneseArt
Reposted by curious ordinary
'Early Autumn in Itako' - Kawase Hasui, 1942.
#JapaneseArt
#JapaneseArt
October 22, 2025 at 12:48 PM
'Early Autumn in Itako' - Kawase Hasui, 1942.
#JapaneseArt
#JapaneseArt
Reposted by curious ordinary
October 11, 2025 at 8:15 AM
Reposted by curious ordinary
Gold autumnal leaves and plants are scattered across this beautiful little ojime bead.
An ojime is used to fasten the cord of an inrō (tiered lacquer carrying case). They are often intricately carved from materials like wood, lacquer, or metal.
An ojime is used to fasten the cord of an inrō (tiered lacquer carrying case). They are often intricately carved from materials like wood, lacquer, or metal.
November 7, 2025 at 5:06 PM
Gold autumnal leaves and plants are scattered across this beautiful little ojime bead.
An ojime is used to fasten the cord of an inrō (tiered lacquer carrying case). They are often intricately carved from materials like wood, lacquer, or metal.
An ojime is used to fasten the cord of an inrō (tiered lacquer carrying case). They are often intricately carved from materials like wood, lacquer, or metal.
Reposted by curious ordinary
🐉👣THE DRAGON'S BODY🐟🔔
Manpuku-ji (萬福寺) in Uji, home to the Ōbaku Zen sect (黄檗宗), was founded in 1661 by the Chinese monk Yinyuan Longqi (隱元隆琦 aka Ingen Ryūki 1592-1673).
It is considered to be Japan's greatest Chinese-style temple.
#Kyoto #京都 #Manpukuji #萬福寺
Manpuku-ji (萬福寺) in Uji, home to the Ōbaku Zen sect (黄檗宗), was founded in 1661 by the Chinese monk Yinyuan Longqi (隱元隆琦 aka Ingen Ryūki 1592-1673).
It is considered to be Japan's greatest Chinese-style temple.
#Kyoto #京都 #Manpukuji #萬福寺
November 7, 2025 at 2:14 AM
🐉👣THE DRAGON'S BODY🐟🔔
Manpuku-ji (萬福寺) in Uji, home to the Ōbaku Zen sect (黄檗宗), was founded in 1661 by the Chinese monk Yinyuan Longqi (隱元隆琦 aka Ingen Ryūki 1592-1673).
It is considered to be Japan's greatest Chinese-style temple.
#Kyoto #京都 #Manpukuji #萬福寺
Manpuku-ji (萬福寺) in Uji, home to the Ōbaku Zen sect (黄檗宗), was founded in 1661 by the Chinese monk Yinyuan Longqi (隱元隆琦 aka Ingen Ryūki 1592-1673).
It is considered to be Japan's greatest Chinese-style temple.
#Kyoto #京都 #Manpukuji #萬福寺
In Japan there is a famous tale about Oiwa whose husband disfigured her so he could remarry. This ukiyo-e print by Utagawa Kuniyoshi (1852) shows the vengeful ghost of Oiwa squeezing blood from her hair, watched by her terrified husband who she endlessly haunted.
#FolkyFriday #ukiyoe #JapaneseArt
#FolkyFriday #ukiyoe #JapaneseArt
November 7, 2025 at 12:30 PM
In Japan there is a famous tale about Oiwa whose husband disfigured her so he could remarry. This ukiyo-e print by Utagawa Kuniyoshi (1852) shows the vengeful ghost of Oiwa squeezing blood from her hair, watched by her terrified husband who she endlessly haunted.
#FolkyFriday #ukiyoe #JapaneseArt
#FolkyFriday #ukiyoe #JapaneseArt
And here is another blood-drinking #yokai. This one resembles a flying squirrel and it swoops down from trees to latch onto your face. They can also shoot swarms of bats out of their mouths because, well, why not?
#FolkyFriday #JapaneseFolklore
#FolkyFriday #JapaneseFolklore
In #JapaneseFolklore there is a #yokai called nodeppo that resembles a flying squirrel. They swoop down from trees at night and latch onto people's faces in order to drink their blood. Nodeppo can also shoot swarms of bats out of their mouths, which will then fly towards...
#LegendaryWednesday
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#LegendaryWednesday
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November 7, 2025 at 12:29 PM
And here is another blood-drinking #yokai. This one resembles a flying squirrel and it swoops down from trees to latch onto your face. They can also shoot swarms of bats out of their mouths because, well, why not?
#FolkyFriday #JapaneseFolklore
#FolkyFriday #JapaneseFolklore
Another blood-sucking #yokai for #FolkyFriday.
In #JapaneseFolklore there is an insect #yokai known as tsutsugamushi. They are large and red with huge jaws and long antennae. They live deep in the mountains but come out at night and creep into houses to drink the blood of sleeping humans which can cause all kinds of...
#LegendaryWednesday
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#LegendaryWednesday
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November 7, 2025 at 12:25 PM
Another blood-sucking #yokai for #FolkyFriday.
In #JapaneseFolklore kubikajiri is a #yokai that eats the heads of its victims, living or dead. It waits in graveyards for the freshly buried dead, which it then digs up to feast on. Kubikajiri smells of blood and in some accounts it is also headless. Some believe they may...
#MythologyMonday
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#MythologyMonday
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November 7, 2025 at 12:25 PM
The worst kind of sacrifice! While this particular version is from Japan, there are many examples of similarly horrific rituals found throughout the world. Thankfully they are a thing of the past.
#FolkyFriday #JapaneseFolklore
#FolkyFriday #JapaneseFolklore
In #JapaneseFolklore there are tales of a particularly gruesome practice known as hitobashira, where a living human is buried alive in the foundations of a building, especially castles or bridges. These sacrifices were a form of magic based on the belief that sacrificing a...
#WyrdWednesday
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#WyrdWednesday
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November 7, 2025 at 12:24 PM
The worst kind of sacrifice! While this particular version is from Japan, there are many examples of similarly horrific rituals found throughout the world. Thankfully they are a thing of the past.
#FolkyFriday #JapaneseFolklore
#FolkyFriday #JapaneseFolklore