Legends of Japanese Mythology Meet the Heroes, Spirits, Monsters and Yokai of Japanese Folklore

Enter a captivating world of heroes, spirits, monsters, and yokai in Legends of Japanese Mythology.? 
 
This stunning illustrated anthology takes you on an adventure through time to a world of mystical power, battles, quests, and intrigue. Featuring otherworldly artwork from Tomii Masako and enchanting text from the host of popular podcast Uncanny Japan, Thersa Matsuura, this collection of timeless tales is perfect for all lovers of Japanese mythology and folklore. 
 
Inside, you'll find 50 profiles of legendary people and mystical beings, each accompanied by a stunning portrait, such as: 

• Emperor Jimmu, the first emperor of Japan and a descendent of the Sun Goddess. 
• Izagani-no-Mikoto and Izanamino-Mikoto, who used their bejewelled spear to create the islands of Japan. 
• Ryujin, who used two jewels to control the ocean. 
• Nopperabo, faceless ghosts who enjoy scaring unsuspecting people. 
• Oni, huge red or blue ogres who dwell in the mountains. 
• Tanuki, the shape-shifting raccoon dogs who play tricks on the locals. 
• Tamamo no Mae, the most powerful and dangerous nine-tailed fox spirit. 

The profiles are interspersed with famous mythological tales, such as The Three Sacred Treasures, a story about valor, wisdom, and benevolence, as well as pieces of real historical information to contextualize them, like facts about the legendary warriors.? 

A feast for the eyes, celebrate the wealth of Japan’s heritage and culture and capture young imaginations with Legends of Japanese Mythology! 

Thersa Matsuura is a graduate of Clarion West 2015,  a recipient of the HWA’s Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley Scholarship, and the author of two short story collections, A Robe of Feathers and Other Stories (Counterpoint Press LLC) and The Carp-Faced Boy and Other Tales (Independent Legions Press). The latter of which was nominated for a Bram Stoker Award® (2017). Her most recent book is The Book of Japanese Folklore, published by Adams Media (2024). 

Thersa has lived over thirty years in a small town in Japan and shares her research and experiences on her podcast: Uncanny Japan.  

Tomii Masako, a former comic artist, is a Tokyo-based illustrator, focusing mainly on drawing and book illustration. In her original works, she depicts other worlds interwoven with psychedelic fantasies that are not universal but which are visible to her, and are in a sense deformed, as if wandering the border between dreams and visions.

Kami-Gods, Shinto and Buddhism

Japan’s Creation
Izanagi and Izanami
Orochi
Amaterasu Omikami
Emperor Jimmu
Inari Okami
Susano-o
Ebisu
Fujin and Raijin 

Ghosts
Funayurei
Hashihime
The Ubume and Kosodate Yurei
Oiwa
Taira no Masakado
Tamamo no Mae
Yuki Onna
Zashiki Warashi

Okiku and the Nine Plates

YOkai
Amabie
Baku
Hitotsume Kozo
Jorogumo
Kappa
Kamaitachi
Kitsune
Nopperabo
Oni
Rokurokubi
Tanuki
Tengu
Tsukumogami
Yamauba

Bunbuku Chagama
Shuten DOji
GLOSSARY 

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