On the study of Japanese demons in the West and in Russia

Abstract

Yokai demons occupy a very important place in the culture and history of Japan. Yokai are the treasured key to the cultural code of Japanese nation , without which it is impossible to comprehend Kokoro – the Soul of Japan. The rapid fascination with Japanese demonology in the West and in Russia is by no means accidental, and the history of the Western world’s acquaintance with Japanese yokai is full of breathtaking stories. The article tells about the history of the study of Japanese demonology in the West and in Russia, and analyzes the reasons and features of the mass fascination with yokai in the world. A detailed overview of sources includes translations of works of fiction and studies devoted to yokai. The article pays special attention to the differences in the perception of Japanese demons in Western countries and among the Russian audience. The author sees the reason for this in the difference in mentalities – the Ango-Saxon ratio versus the Russian mythological consciousness.

Keywords

• yokai
• kaidan
• j-horror
• japanese folklore
• japanese demonology
• japanese mythology studies