Yokai ghosts are a significant aspect of Japanese culture. In turnsterrifying, playful and mischievous, they can take the form ofmalevolent spirits, seeking a place in the afterlife, or shapeshifterstricking humans with wisdom and sometimes cruelty. Thisunique book includes 150 striking images by Hokusai, Hiroshige,Utamaro and others, that capture the essence of yokai folklorewith stunning detail and evocative imagery. Filled with coloredreproductions, each of the book's chapters focuses on a specificspirit or type. There's the specter of Oiwa, her face distorted bypoison, as depicted by Hokusai; Toyohara Kunichika's hauntinginterpretation of Okiku, a tragic ghost with a tale of betrayal andrevenge; and Yoshitoshi's dramatic image of a samurai bravelyconfronting a hideous ghost. Throughout the book, readers willdiscover how the intricate details of woodblock prints allowedartists to exaggerate features and create dramatic effects thatenhanced the portrayal of yokai. These prints also reveal aspectsof daily life, folklore, and spiritual beliefs of the period, offering awindow into Japan's history and pointing to the origins of manga,horror films, and literature. Fans of Japanese folklore, supernaturalart, and anime enthusiasts alike will delight in this beautifuledition that features a special Japanese binding, coloured edgesand closing straps.