Obake, the Japanese "ghost," is exactly what its name suggests: "O" is an honorific prefix, while bake is a noun from bakeru, the verb meaning "undergo change." Japanese ghosts, then, are essentially transformations. Obake / Bakemono
Literally, "transforming thing." Refers to any type of preternatural being. Comprises yokai and yurei, and can also be used more generally to refer to anything that is weird or grotesque.
Yokai
Literally, "bewitching apparition." Encompasses a wide spectrum of ghouls, goblins and monsters--some frightening, some amusing, and many bizarre. Yokai usually appear at dawn or dusk.
Yurei
Literally, "dim/hazy/faint spirit." Spirits of the dead who remain among the living for a specific purpose, usually to seek vengeance. Yurei generally appear between 2 and 3 AM.
Oni
"Demons" or "ogres." Ferocious creatures with horns and fangs that are best known for manning the gates of the various Buddhist hells and performing some of the tortures that take place in them.
Check these movies out for a good Japanese scare:
THE GRUDGE
Hollywood meets Japanese Horror.
RING
Our look at one of Japan's scariest movies.
JIGOKU (HELL)
The classic 1960 cinematic glimpse of Purgatory.
CURE
Our review of this unnerving supernatural thriller.
KWAIDAN
Homepage for Japanese restless spirits.
JAPANESE GHOSTS
A history of Japanese Ghost stories.
HARAPAN
Fabulous collection of Japanese Ghost stories.
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