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A review by kalira
The Book of Japanese Folklore: An Encyclopedia of the Spirits, Monsters, and Yokai of Japanese Myth: The Stories of the Mischievous Kappa, Trickster Kitsune, Horrendous Oni, and More by Thersa Matsuura
informative
lighthearted
reflective
4.25
While naturally 'youkai' form such an expansive collection it would be impossible to collect them all in any one volume, Matsuura presents a wonderful overview of a good many in this book - and every one is given due space.
Each youkai is presented with name, romanised and in kanji, and other names, as well as the direct translation into English, and similar youkai. There is an overview, including descriptions, and for many a full-page illustration (many beautiful and/or playful), as well as origin stories, retold succinctly but with spirit, connections to actual history, and their appearances in more modern stories.
I found it all very engaging, from the youkai I've long been familiar with to the entirely new (and there was always something new even in the familiar ones), and Matsuura's style is charming and seems to display fondness for her topic, as well as a gratifying thoroughness.
Each youkai is presented with name, romanised and in kanji, and other names, as well as the direct translation into English, and similar youkai. There is an overview, including descriptions, and for many a full-page illustration (many beautiful and/or playful), as well as origin stories, retold succinctly but with spirit, connections to actual history, and their appearances in more modern stories.
I found it all very engaging, from the youkai I've long been familiar with to the entirely new (and there was always something new even in the familiar ones), and Matsuura's style is charming and seems to display fondness for her topic, as well as a gratifying thoroughness.