Encyclopedia of Mythical Creatures - Yokai & Japanese Mythology: An Illustrated Bestiary of Legendary Beasts, Oni & Spirits from Ancient Civilizations. (Mythology and Folklore) - Softcover

Quinete, Ziggy

Softcover

ISBN 10: 6598808790 ISBN 13: 9786598808792

Publisher: Gargoyle Collective, 2025

Synopsis

Unveil the Mythology of Japan!
Step into the lantern-lit realms of misty mountains, moonlit rivers, and haunted temples with the Encyclopedia of Mythical Creatures: Yokai & Japanese Mythology Volume. This beautifully illustrated bestiary unveils a world where spirits dwell in every shadow, foxes dance between illusion and truth, and ancient gods whisper through thunder, flame, and rain. From the snow-capped peaks of Hokkaido to the sacred forests of Kyoto, each page reveals the pulse of a land where beauty and terror walk hand in hand, and where the unseen governs the seen.

Discover Legendary Beings and Timeless Spirits:
Meet the nine-tailed Kitsune who bends hearts and destiny, the mischievous Kappa who lurks beneath still waters, and the fearsome Oni who tests human courage. Cross paths with the mournful Yuki-onna, the seductive Jorōgumo, and the prophetic Amabie who rises from the sea to warn of plague. Wander mountain passes where the Tengu guard hidden shrines, and misted cemeteries where the Shinigami collect wandering souls. Rooted in Shinto reverence for nature, Buddhist visions of karma, and the storytelling spirit of Edo folklore, these tales illuminate Japan’s eternal dialogue between purity and corruption, devotion and desire, life and the lingering afterlife.

Stunning Artwork for Every Yokai and Guardian Beast:
Each creature is reborn through luminous illustrations—capturing the glow of lantern fire, the shimmer of falling snow, and the silent terror of a ghost beneath a paper umbrella. From the scaled majesty of the Ryūjin to the burning eyes of the Namazu, and the ethereal stillness of the Hitodama, every portrait pulses with emotion, texture, and mythic atmosphere. The art celebrates not just monsters, but the ancient harmony between humanity and the unseen world that shaped Japan’s imagination.

Inside this book, you’ll find:

• In-depth profiles of legendary beings such as Kitsune, Oni, Kappa, Yuki-onna, Tengu, Amabie, Nurarihyon, Raijin, Ryūjin, Jorōgumo, and Shinigami, among dozens more.
• Cultural and spiritual insights into how Japanese myths shaped art, festivals, philosophy, and the moral rhythm of daily life.
• Breathtaking Japanese illustrations that bring to life the beauty, danger, and emotion of each creature.
• Perfect for readers passionate about Yokai Folklore, Shinto Spirits, Edo-Era Ghost Stories, Japanese Art, and Mythic Worldbuilding.

Perfect for Myth Enthusiasts, Historians, and Fantasy Lovers:
Whether you seek the tricksters who blur the line between man and beast, the vengeful spirits who wander through love and grief, or the sacred beasts who guard heaven’s thresholds, this volume invites you to explore a world where every ripple, flame, and whisper carries a soul.

About this title

About the Author

Ziggy Quinete is a writer, journalist, and founder of the Gargoyle Collective - a consortium of artists dedicated to preserving and reimagining the myths that shape human history. His ongoing series, Mythology and Folklore: The Mythical Creatures Collection, is an ambitious exploration of the legendary beasts, spirits, and primal forces that haunt the world's oldest stories. From Norse giants to Roman chimeras, from global dragons to Celtic fae, Ziggy's work blends scholarly rigor with evocative storytelling and striking visual art, creating immersive bestiaries for readers, artists, and dreamers alike. Each volume is both a portal to the past and an invitation to rediscover the imagination that built civilizations.

Edition details

• Publisher: Gargoyle Collective
• Publication date: 2025
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 6598808790
• ISBN 13: 9786598808792
• Binding: Paperback
• Illustrator: Watanabe Satoshi
• Number of pages: 180