Did you hear those footsteps?
Turn around and take a look. Those are the footprints of our friend, Betobeto-san.

These days, Yōkai have also come to appear in Manga, and with the widespread popularity of the Japanese manga, GeGeGe no Kitarō, they have found their place in anime and movies as well. We have even recently become a favorite in video games.

Children used to be afraid of Hanako-san, the ghost that haunted school bathrooms, while Kitarō drove away Yōkai who caused trouble for humans. However, in the more recent world of the popular TV show, Yōkai Watch, Yōkai can be seen making friends with humans and helping them solve problems. It seems like humans and Yōkai have come to be quite friendly, doesn’t it?

Hey, who do you think creates the Yōkai?
The answer is you. Humans.

Even today, humans continue to create us Yōkai, so our numbers keep on growing.
We are not just the Yōkai from myths and legends or even those based on stories re-told from the Edo period.

There are new, modern Yōkai in the present day, with new names and new forms.

Yōkai like these have been gathered together here from all over Japan and the world. There are so many of us that, quite frankly, even we are surprised.

The power of human imagination should not be underestimated.

Certainly, having so many emotions must be unsettling for humans. Looking at them, I sometimes think it must be a hard life. I even feel a little sorry for them.

Do you think the Yōkai have fewer places to live because it is so bright everywhere?

Bright neon signs flood the streets with light. Convenience stores are open 24 hours, and humans are always connected with each other through smart phones. As science continues to advance, superstitions and mysteries fade away to nothing.

Head on up and see for yourself. We are always with you.
We may even be found in the most unexpected places.