Japanese is considered to be one of the hardest languages to learn in the world. Studies have shown that on average, it takes about 2,200 classroom hours to learn Japanese on a proficient level, which is equivalent to 88 consecutive weeks. That being said, it remains one of the most fascinating and beautiful languages to learn as well. 

So, if you have ever caught yourself thinking, “Why is Japanese so hard to learn?” you are not alone. This article breaks down the main reasons why the Japanese language may feel difficult and shares encouragement as well as practical tips to help you power through. Whether you are just starting or stuck mid-way, here is what makes Japanese so tough — but why it is still absolutely worth learning.

Is Japanese really a hard language to learn?

Yes, Japanese is considered a hard language to learn, but only if your native language is vastly different from Japanese. The Foreign Service Institute (FSI), which focuses on teaching languages and cultures to US diplomats and government officials, has a system that ranks languages based on how difficult they are to learn. FSI classified Japanese as a “Super-hard language.” 

But you should take this with a grain of salt: FSI ranks languages based on how long native English speakers learn them. If you speak languages like Spanish, French, and Italian, among others that are in the same language family as English, the study hours are probably close to that.

This has numerous reasons, one of the biggest ones being that English and Japanese have very few words with a common etymological origin. 

On the other hand, those who speak Chinese or Korean, or languages that come from similar roots to Japanese, can learn Japanese more quickly.

This is not to be mistaken that the Chinese and Korean languages originate from Japan. In fact, it’s Japanese and Korean that borrow words from the Chinese language. 50% of Japanese words come from Chinese. 

Let’s compare “university” in Japanese, Korean, and Chinese.

The Japanese, Chinese, and Korean words for university are not exactly the same, but there is a close phonetic resemblance between the three words. For reference, it takes 3,900 hours to study JLPT N1 without kanji knowledge. For students with kanji knowledge, it takes 2,150 hours of JLPT study to pass — almost half the time!

Reasons why learning Japanese is hard 

1. Complex writing systems

The Japanese language is made up of 3 different writing systems. The hiragana, katakana, and kanji system all have their own characters and complexities, but are very necessary when learning the language. 

Hiragana 

Hiragana is usually the first writing system that you will encounter on your learning journey. In this system, the symbols represent whole syllables rather than individual sounds or words. In Japanese, words are made up of a combination of syllables, thus taking away the need for singular letter symbols. This system is the most traditional and dates back to the 9^th century. 

Katakana 

Katakana is very similar to hiragana when it comes to word formation. Once again, the symbols are meant to represent syllables; this system was mainly adopted in order to introduce syllables and sounds that were not originally part of the Japanese language. Most of the Katana symbols are inspired by those of the Hiragana system, making it easier to decipher. 

Kanji

Kanji is usually the last system taught throughout the learning curve of the language, as it is the one with the most complexity. The symbols used were originally Chinese characters and made up the first writing system in Japan. Both hiragana and katakana are evolutions of this writing system. Rather than representing syllables and sounds, these symbols are meant to represent complete words or ideas on their own, meaning that there are approximately 50,000 kanji symbols to learn before fully mastering this system. 

Read More: Hardest Kanji to Learn

2. Grammar Differences from English

Subject-Object-Verb (SOV) Order

One of the first things English speakers notice while learning Japanese is the change in sentence structure. While the English language typically follows a Subject-Verb-Object (SVO) order — for example, “I eat sushi” — the Japanese language uses a Subject-Object-Verb (SOV) pattern. 

So, the same sentence we previously saw in English becomes: Watashi wa sushi o tabemasu, meaning “I sushi eat” in Japanese. This reversal often surprises learners and requires a shift in thinking. Adjusting to this word order takes time, but it is a fundamental part of mastering Japanese grammar.

Let’s try to translate a Japanese sentence literally, based on its word order.

Confusing, right? With time, you’ll get used to the sentence structure, but you might need time to adjust to it when translating whatever Japanese sentence you hear or see into your native language. 

The Japanese language often omits the subject in a sentence if it is already clear from the context, which can lead to ambiguity and confusion for English speakers who are used to always including a subject.

私は公園へ行きます。
Watashi wa kouen e ikimasu.
I am going to the park.

Imagine that you are leaving the house, and your mom asks you where you are going. In this case, it’s obvious that your answer indicates yourself, and no one else. A correct sentence often does not require a subject in Japanese, since the subject is usually implied in the context of the conversation.

園へ行きます
kouen e ikimasu.
(I am) going to the park!

Japanese particles

In Japanese, small words called particles play a huge role in showing how each part of a sentence functions. These particles indicate the subject, object, direction, or even topic of a sentence. Because they carry so much meaning in such a small form, even tiny mistakes with particles can lead to big misunderstandings. Learning to use them correctly is a crucial step in becoming comfortable with Japanese.

Examples:

• Wa: indicates the topic of a sentence
• Ga: marks the subject of the sentence
• Ni: indicates a point in time or direction
• De: indicates the location of an action
• Wo: marks the direct object of a verb

Verb conjugations and politeness

Japanese verbs change not only based on tense but also depending on the level of formality. There are multiple ways to say the same action depending on whether you are speaking casually with friends, politely to a stranger, or respectfully to someone of higher status. This can feel overwhelming at first, but it is all part of Japan’s nuanced communication style. A helpful tip for beginners is to start with the masu-form, which is the standard polite form, and gradually expand to casual or honorific forms later.

3. Politeness Levels and honorific language

Japanese is deeply rooted in social hierarchy, and the way you speak changes drastically depending on who you are talking to. This aspect of the language, also known as keigo (honorific speech), is divided into three main categories: teineigo (polite speech), sonkeigo (respectful speech), and kenjougo (humble speech). These are not just vocabulary swaps; they involve changes in verb conjugation, word choice, and even tone. Navigating these levels of formality is essential for effective and respectful communication in Japanese society. 

Quick Tip: Do not feel pressured to master all forms of keigo at once. Focus first on polite speech (teineigo), and then gradually learn the reasoning behind honorific and humble expressions. 

Read more about Japanese honorifics here.

4. Different pronunciation and pitch accents 

At first glance, Japanese pronunciation seems relatively straightforward since there are fewer sounds compared to many other languages, and most syllables stay consistent. But the real challenge lies in pitch accent. Unlike English, which relies mostly on word stress, Japanese uses pitch to differentiate words that otherwise would sound identical. 

For example, hashi can mean “bridge” (橋) with a high-low pitch pattern or “chopsticks” (箸) with a low-high pitch. These subtle differences are not always highlighted in textbooks but can lead to confusion if they are not understood. 

Quick Tip: The best way to internalize pitch accent is simply by listening to native speakers and shadowing real conversations. 

Read more about Japanese long vowels and double consonants.

5. Cultural context embedded in language

Language and culture are closely intertwined, and this is especially true in the Japanese language. Directness is often avoided; people rarely say “no” outright. Instead, soft refusals such as “chotto…” (meaning “a little…”) are used to politely decline in Japanese while avoiding all confrontation. Japanese also relies heavily on context, so what is left unsaid can be just as important as what is spoken. This means learning Japanese is not just about memorizing vocabulary or grammar rules, but also about understanding the social cues and unspoken norms that guide communication skills in Japanese. 

Quick Tip: To get a feel for these small changes, it can be really helpful to immerse yourself in Japanese media. For example, watching TV shows, anime, or dramas with subtitles helps you pick up on tone, timing, as well as the cultural nuances behind everyday language.

6. Learning and practice challenges

1. You cannot “Cram” Japanese

Unlike some fields that respond well to last-minute studying, Japanese is not one you can cram. Mastery in this skill comes from consistent, steady effort over time. This is especially true for memorizing kanji symbols and vocabulary, as they require daily review to truly stick. 

Speaking practice with native speakers is just as important, not only for fluency, but for building confidence and a natural rhythm. Keep in mind that setbacks are to be expected; they are a normal part of learning this language. The key is patience and persistence. Progress may feel slower at times, but with regular practice, it can build up in really powerful ways.

2. Not Enough Immersion

Unless you live in Japan or attend an immersive school such as Coto Academy, finding chances to practice Japanese in real-world situations can be really tough. Classroom Japanese often focuses on polite, structured language rather than real-life speech, which is full of slang, casual phrasing, and nuances. What may sound natural in a textbook might come off as overly formal in a regular conversation. 

Reading also presents its own unique challenges. For example, Japanese does not use spaces between words, which makes it tricky to separate and understand phrases at a glance. And then there are also loanwords that are borrowed from English but used in ways that can be confusing. 

Quick Tip: To bridge the gap between the textbook and natural Japanese, it is helpful to immerse yourself in level-appropriate content such as NHK News Easy, manga, or graded readers. And in order to keep your speaking skills sharp, you can try online conversation lessons or join a Japanese-speaking community.

Ready to overcome the challenges of learning Japanese?

Join Coto Academy today and turn your Japanese learning challenges into achievements! At Coto Academy, we understand that Japanese can be tough, but with the right guidance, it becomes an exciting and rewarding journey. Our experienced teachers provide personalized lessons tailored to your level and goals, helping you master everything from kanji to conversation, honorifics to pitch accent.

Fill out the form below for a free Japanese level check and consultation!

FAQ

Once you’ve turned your name into a Japanese version, you might start thinking about what kind of cool Japanese nickname you can use. In Japan, nicknames go beyond simple shortened versions of names. They are sweet, playful names to express the closeness of your relationship. Whether it is a couple calling each other by pet names, siblings teasing each other, or friends bonding over shared quirks, nicknames are a unique part of everyday life in Japan.

While formal Japanese names are used in settings such as school and work, it is common to switch to cute or affectionate nicknames in casual relationships. Want to start Japanese nicknames for yourself or your friends? Check out our guide and learn how to use them! 

Understanding Japanese Names: Nicknames vs Japanese Suffixes

We want to ensure there’s no confusion between Japanese nicknames and Japanese suffixes. While they may sometimes overlap, they serve different purposes.

Japanese honorifics like -chan or -kun are primarily used to indicate social relationships or levels of familiarity. For instance, -chan is often used as a term of endearment for someone younger, close, or considered cute. If someone’s name is Mako, you might affectionately call them Mako-chan. But honorifics are not nicknames in the traditional sense. Their main function is to express social nuance rather than to create a playful or affectionate variation of a name.

In contrast, nicknames in Japanese often involve modifying the actual name. You can do this by shortening it, altering its sounds, or adding creative endings. Japanese nicknames for girls often use cute, soft-sounding suffixes. Japanese nicknames for guys are usually more casual or cool, depending on the relationship.

What makes a nickname considered cute in Japan? It most often comes down to the use of affectionate suffixes, creative wordplay, as well as a sense of closeness.

Common Nickname Suffixes

Adding suffixes to names is a popular way to create nicknames that feel friendly and affectionate. Let’s explore some of the most common Japanese nickname suffixes and how they’re used.

1. 〜ちゃん (-chan)

A very common and cute suffix for girls, younger kids, pets, and close friends. It is meant to soften a name and add affection.
Example: Momo → Momo-chan

2. 〜くん (-kun)

Typically used for boys, especially among classmates and coworkers. It is casual but respectful.
Example: Taro → Taro-kun

3. 〜たん (-tan)

An even cuter, more babyish variation of -chan, it is often used jokingly or to express strong affection. The suffix -tan began in otaku internet culture, used for anime characters.
Example: Risa → Risa-tan

These name endings allow people to express warmth and are a big part of what makes a Japanese nickname feel kawaii (cute)!

4. ～ちん (-chin)

The suffix -chin (～ちん) in Japanese is a very informal, affectionate, and often playful way of addressing someone, similar to -chan (～ちゃん) but even more cutesy or intimate.

Chin is not commonly used in most social or professional settings. Using it with someone you’re not close to could sound overly familiar or even awkward. It’s mostly seen among younger people or in specific subcultures like idol fandoms or otaku culture.

How to create a Japanese Nickname

Of course, similar to English, Japanese nickname creativity goes far beyond the basic patterns! Nicknames in Japanese often come from shortening names, adding suffixes, or even playful mispronunciations. Below are a few ways to create one:

1. Shorten the name

This is the simplest first step of creating a nickname. Much like “Jennifer” becomes “Jen” in English, many Japanese names can be shortened in a casual context.

This sound contraction makes nicknames smoother and often cuter in casual speech. Take a look at some examples below!

2. Add a cute Japanese suffix

Once a name is shortened, it’s time to add a playful or affectionate touch. This is where the cute Japanese suffixes we just discussed come in handy!

If the last syllable of the name or the nickname base ends in “chi” (ち) or “tsu” (つ), something special happens. Instead of just adding “-chan,” Japanese speakers often contract or collapse the sounds, using what’s called a sokuon (促音) — a small “tsu” (っ) that doubles the following consonant.

Take the name Katsuki as an example. First, we shorten it to Katsu. When we add the cute suffix “-chan,” it would normally be “Katsu-chan.” But because the name ends with the sound “tsu,” the words blend together and change to “Katchan” or “Kacchan.” This makes the “t” sound stronger and the nickname sounds shorter and cuter.

Similarly, with a surname like Uchimura, the nickname base “Uchi” plus “-chan” normally becomes “Uchi-chan.” However, the “chi + chan” merges into a contracted form like “Utchan” or “Ucchan,” where the consonant sound doubles. 

For names that don’t end with “chi” or “tsu,” adding “-chan” is straightforward and doesn’t change the name much. For example, Shouto becomes Shou-chan, and Takumi becomes Taku-chan (sometimes people also say Takkun, using a different cute suffix “-kun”). For Takashi, people usually just use the full name, but sometimes say Taka-chan.

Examples:

3. Get even more creative with nickname endings

Of course, the more naturally you speak Japanese, the more you’ll notice that nicknames don’t have to follow a fixed pattern or use the same suffix every time! In fact, many Japanese nicknames use a variety of cute, playful-sounding endings to give them a more personal and affectionate feel.

Some people may take it a step further by making their nicknames unique or personalized.

Examples:

Some nicknames do not necessarily follow any rules; they might come from a person’s favorite food, personality trait, or even how they laugh. That is part of the fun!

4. Combine the Japanese surname and given name

An optional step, one of the most unique nickname styles in Japan, is combining parts of both the family name and the given name to create a catchy nickname. This is quite rare in Western cultures, but quite common in Japan. 

For example, the famous actor Kimura Takuya is affectionately called “Kimu-Taku” by fans. (Remember, in Japanese, the family name comes first.) Similarly, many men named Kato Kenji or Kato Kenichi often go by “Kato-Ken” because it sounds smooth and natural in Japanese.

This combining method only works if the resulting nickname sounds good and flows well in Japanese, which is why not every name can be shortened this way.

Cute Japanese Nicknames

Now that the rules have been explained, here are some examples of commonly used but cool nicknames in Japan:

1. A-chan: A common nickname for anyone whose name starts with “A,” such as Ayaka or Airi.
2. Yuki-pi: A trendy, girly nickname variation often used by teens.
3. Kazu-kun: A classic male nickname for boys named Kazuki, Kazuo, etc.
4. Mii-chan: A name essentially used for girls named Miho, Mika, or Miharu.
5. Tomo-tan: A super-cute nickname twist for Tomoko or Tomoya.

These nicknames are heard in classrooms, on social media, and even in various anime!

Not all Japanese nicknames are cute, some are short, stylish, and just plain cool. These types of nicknames are especially popular among teens, young adults, or in pop culture and celebrity circles. They often rely on abbreviations, stylish blends, or nicknames that give off a confident or laid-back vibe.

Some cool nicknames, often used for guys, incude:

• Taku (from Takuya)
• Hiro (from Hiroshi, Hiroki)
• Yuki (from Yukihiro, Yukiko)
• Aki (from Akira, Akiyama)
• Ryo (from Ryosuke)

Cute Japanese Nicknames for Couples

Among couples in Japan, the nicknames they use for each other often combine Western-style terms of endearment with a uniquely Japanese sense of cuteness. Check out some of the cool Japanese nicknames for boyfriends or girlriends, or general terms of endearment to show affection for couples.

1. あなた (Anata)

Technically, anata means “you” in Japanese, but if you watch anime or read Japanese dramas, you’ll often notice that spouses, especially wives, call their significant others anata.

Why is that? In Japanese culture, it’s less common to use someone’s first name directly, even in close or intimate relationships. Instead, married women often use anata to address their husbands.

This way of speaking feels gentle, respectful, and affectionate, especially when said softly or lovingly.

あなた、ごはんできたわよ。
Anata, gohan dekita wa yo.
Darling, dinner’s ready.

2. ダーリン (Daarin)

This nickname is taken directly from the English nickname “Darling.” This is a romantic nickname for boyfriends or husbands. It is a little playful and retro.

3. ハニー (Hanii)

This nickname means “Honey” in katakana. This nickname is often used by couples aiming to sound sweet and flirty.

4. 〜くん / ちゃん (kun or chan)

Many couples just use a cute version of their partner’s first name. Kenta becomes Ken-kun. Ayumi becomes Ayu-chan

5. 〜りん:

The “〜りん” pattern involves repeating the ending syllable of a name and adding “りん”, turning ordinary names into sweet nicknames. By adding “りん”, the name sounds more playful and affectionate, giving it a cute, bubbly vibe.

Examples:

• Mari → Maririn (まりりん)
• Yuri → Yuririn (ゆりりん)
• Rin → Rinrin (りんりん)

Cute Japanese Nicknames for Family

Japanese families also have their own nickname traditions. Children often use affectionate and hierarchical titles for their siblings and parents.

1. おにいちゃん (Onii-chan): This nickname means “Big brother,” and is usually used by younger siblings. This nickname may also be shortened to にいに (Nii-nii).

2. あねちゃん (Ane-chan): This nickname means “Big sister,” although it is less common than onee-chan, it is still used in casual, childlike speech.

3. じいじ (Jiiji) / ばあば (Baaba): These are cute names for grandpa and grandma; they are the most similar to “Gramps” and “Nana” in English.

4. かーくん (otou-san) / まーちゃん (okaa-san): These names are the shortened versions of “Dad” and “Mom” using parts of their names or nicknames within the family.

Some regional differences exist, too. For example, in Okinawa, siblings may call each other by different terms like アニキ (aniki) for big brother, which carries more respect or toughness.

Tips for Creating Japanese-Style Nicknames from Western Names

If you have a Western name and want to create a cute or natural-sounding Japanese nickname, you might have to convert your name into katakana. The rest of the nickname creation follows the same rule, but here are some tips to keep in mind:

1. Use Katakana Sounds: Write your name in Japanese katakana first to understand how it sounds in Japanese. For example, “Michael” becomes “Maikeru (マイケル).” This helps when shortening or adding suffixes.
2. Shorten Your Name Naturally: Japanese nicknames often shorten names by cutting off syllables. From “Maikeru,” you could get “Mai-chan” or “Maiku.” Try to keep the nickname easy to pronounce in Japanese.
3. Add Familiar Suffixes: Adding “-chan” (cute/friendly), “-kun” (for boys or casual), or “-san” (polite) can make your nickname feel more natural. For example, “Mai-chan” or “Mike-kun.”
4. Blend Name Parts if Possible: If your name has two parts (like a first and middle name), you can combine parts to make a catchy nickname, similar to the Japanese style. For example, “John Paul” might become “Jo-Pa.”
5. Keep It Simple and Sweet: Japanese nicknames usually avoid complicated sounds and try to keep things easy to say, short, and cute.

Conclusion: Learn to Make Japanese Nicknames with Coto Academy!

In Japanese culture, nicknames are more than just fun; they are a great way to connect with others on a deeper level. Whether you are making new friends, getting closer with a partner, or even bonding with family, experimenting with cute nicknames adds playfulness and affection to your conversations.

Next time you are talking to a Japanese friend, try a nickname! You might just earn one in return.

Want to learn more about casual Japanese for daily life? Learn how to make your own nickname in Japanese by taking practical Japanese lessons at Coto Academy. 

FAQ

Want to get more fun Japanese learning content? You might be interested in:

• Mistakes Japanese Learners Often Make
• Guide to Using Sou, Rashii and Poi in Japanese
• Free Hiragana Chart for Learning Japanese

What ghosts or creatures chronicled in Japanese folklore are lurking among the shadows, or perhaps hidden in plain sight? The mysterious and supernatural in Japan can take many forms, hidden in the most unexpected crevasses of your home, or may even be a friend that’s hiding a secret — even sinister — identity.

Discover what mischievous or malevolent ghosts, monsters, or other creatures to look out for. Be aware of their deceits and tricks, but also know which ones may actually bring good luck and fortune. 

In this guide, we will introduce 15 frightening yurei or Japanese ghosts and other fascinating yokai from Japanese folklore and legends. This list may help explain certain superstitions in Japan and why you should, perhaps, believe them as well.

What are yokai?

Yokai does not have any specific English definition; rather, the word broadly describes the supernatural, magical, and mysterious entities found in stories, paintings, art, and literature throughout Japan. Yokai can include any creature, spirit, demon, living object, or other entities found across Japanese folklore. So all of the yurei and other mysterious entities we will discuss can be considered yokai.

If you want a deeper dive into the supernatural world of yokai, read our article detailing everything you need to know.

What is a yurei? Ghosts of Japanese folklore

幽霊 (yurei) are similar to the western concept of “ghosts”, with 幽 (yuu or kasoke) meaning faint and 霊 (rei) meaning soul. They are often depicted wearing white robes, reflecting the old Japanese burial practices of burying the departed in white. Yurei are usually restless souls or spirits of the dead who have not been able to pass in peace. They are not able to rest due to anything unfinished, keeping them attached to the physical world.

Oftentimes, these spectres have remaining resentment, jealousy, and other strong emotions, causing them to torment the living, especially those they feel have wronged them. Sometimes they are quite vengeful and dangerous, but of course, not always.

In many stories with yurei, you have to listen to their wishes or concerns to help release them of their attachments, giving them peace of mind, and allowing them to disappear to rest in peace. There are many yurei found in Japanese folkloric stories, both dangerous and completely harmless.

15 Japanese Ghosts and folkloric creatures

Here is our very non-exhaustive list of 15 Japanese ghosts and other frightening entities you need to know about, especially before Halloween. Hopefully, this list alone will show you just how vast and deep Japanese folktales and myths can get.

1. 怨霊 (Onryo): Vengeful Spirits

Onryo are vengeful yurei of people who had died with strong feelings of anger or hatred. Their grudges are so strong that they return as ghosts to exact revenge on those who wronged them, but more often than not, their wrath is indiscriminate, harming anyone in their vicinity. Stories depict them with great power, enough to bring earthquakes, fires, famines, pestilence, and other incredible disasters. 

Even after they lie to rest, they are known to curse locations long after their time, making anyone who dares go near face a terrible fate. They can even curse family lines or all the future marriages, romances, and even children of an unfortunate individual.

Onryo are perhaps the most feared yurei in Japan, with many famous cautionary tales such as the Ghost of Oiwa from the Yotsuba Kaidan. Even to this day, her grudge can curse those who retell her story, which is why the whole cast and crew of the film adaptation visited her grave to pay respects.

2. 雪女 (Yuki Onna): Snow Woman

Yuki onna is a mysterious, ghostly figure that appears only in snowy regions, generally during snowstorms. She is often described as trapping men (usually) by making them fall in love with her or just simply freezing them to death. Sometimes she is likened to a succubus that sucks life force out of people, or as something mysterious with certain magical properties. Almost always, she’s depicted as very dangerous.

Tales have been told of yuki onna even before the Muromachi period (around 1336), with numerous stories and folktales found throughout Japan, portraying her from menacing to rather harmless. She is always described as having long black hair, piercing dark eyes, and skin so white it resembles snow. She is supposedly so beautiful that she must be otherworldly.

Kwaidan, an anthology film about yokai, tells one of the most famous and modern portrayals of yuki onna. In this story, she falls in love and shows sympathy for her lover, sparing him from harm despite his breaking his promise to her. This contrasts with her usual portrayals as cruel and void of emotion. 

However, she is always mysterious and magical, disappearing into mist whenever she wishes and never revealing her true intentions.

3. 雨女 (Ame Onna): Rain Woman

Ame onna is a ghostly woman who appears in the rain, or rather, brings rain wherever she goes. She usually has a crone-like, depraved, and almost ghoulish appearance that is always soaked from the rain. She is often drawn licking the rain off her body, especially from her palms and arms.

They might bring fortune to villages suffering from drought and in need the rain for their crops. However, their true intentions are to kidnap newly born girls, and if any were born the night they arrive, they will be taken away, never to be seen. 

4. 骨女 (Hone Onna): Bone Woman

The hone onna literally translates to “bone woman.” This Japanese ghost is a yurei of a woman who has passed away but lingers in the land of the living in the form of a skeleton. In many tales, she is someone who died with strong feelings of love persisting after their death.

In many stories, the honne onna will seek out her lover, sometimes unaware of her own passing. Whehe is overcome with joy at her return, causing him to only see her as she was when she was alive. However, others may see her in her true form, as a skeleton, and will try to warn her lover that she is truly back from the dead. But if he is never warned, he could continue seeing her until his life is drained, falling into death along with the woman he loves. 

5. 口裂け女 (Kuchi Sake Onna): Slit Mouth Woman

The kuchi sake onna has perhaps the most unsettling appearance out of all the Japanese ghost on this list. She is an onryo of a woman who had her mouth slit from ear to ear, giving her a menacing appearance. Thus, she has returned as a vengeful spirit to exact revenge on her wrongdoers. 

This onryo seems to represent any woman who was killed in a particularly cruel fashion. Since they don’t rest well, they return to our world filled with rage. They often don’t just target their wrongdoers but any man they come across. 

There are urban legends of them appearing as beautiful women asking if they are pretty and if answered yes, they will reveal their true face. Then, if the victim says no or lies, the kuchi-sake onna will ensure they meet a gruesome fate. Only if someone honestly answers yes will they be spared. 

6. 座敷童子 (Zashiki Warashi): Child Spirit 

Zashiki warashi are the spirits of children, or at least resembling children. Zashiki actually refers to a sitting room covered in tatami mats. So they are basically house spirits that love rather harmless mischief. They usually make noises at night like children’s games and sometimes leave footprints all over the house. However, tales say that a house haunted by a zashiki warashi will have fortune and riches. 

They are considered to be house guardians, and therefore, if you drive them away, you will bring ruin to your household. If you see signs of zashiki warashi, don’t kick them out. Many homes actually leave out candy to attract these friendly, luck-bearing yokai. 

7. ろくろ首 (Rokuro Kubi) & 抜け首 (Nuke Kubi): Elongated Neck and Detached Neck

Rokuroku kubi appears to be a normal woman by day, but at night, her neck stretches and moves around freely. They are generally harmless, but they might scare people just to cause mischief. Unlike other Japanese ghosts, they are born as a normal woman but later get cursed as a rokuro kubi. In some cases, an unfortunate girl may never know she is a rokuro kubi her whole life, but once discovered by others, she will be quietly ostracized and treated poorly.

Nukekubi are a type of rokuroku kubi except their head completely detaches from the body, allowing their head to travel further distances. They also tend to be more malicious, thirsting for blood and human flesh, thus often feeding on people or animals. Nukekubi also seems to be cursed, but with something much darker than rokuro kubi.

8. 野箆坊 (Nopperabou): Faceless Monk

Nopperabou appear like any normal person in every way… except that they have no face. Their only goal seems to be to strike fear into people. They frequent roads late at night, facing away from their victims, only to turn around when approached to reveal their true, faceless form. Some may even pretend to have a face, especially of someone their victim knows, only to wipe it away with their hand. 

Beyond their propensity to terrify people, they don’t seem to be very dangerous. It is unknown what these creatures really are, but some believe they could be mischievous shape shifters like the kitsune.

9. 狐 (Kitsune): Fox Spirit

Kitsune literally means “fox”, but in Japanese folklore, the fox is a majestic, supernatural being ranging from spirits to even something like a deity. They are very intelligent and are known to be tricksters, making people lose their way or tricking them into strange activities. Although they can be devious or even malicious and vengeful, they are also presented as loyal, remembering friendships and keeping their promises. If good is done to them, they will do good to you too. 

They are also known as shape shifters who can transform into humans or giants and other large creatures. In many tales, they transform into a beautiful woman who marries a man. They sometimes trick the man by taking everything he has and bringing shame to him, or they genuinely love him but cannot have him discover their true identity.

In Shinto legends, kitsune serve the deity, Inari, with their shrines decorated with statues of them. They are messengers between the gods and the human world. Sometimes, they give wisdom to humans deserving of it. They are said to bring good fortune and even protect different places or people, warding off any evil.

Other tales of the kitsune have their origins in Chinese folklore. These kitsune are said to have more power the older they are and by the number of tails they acquire. The most powerful of which is the 9 tailed fox. If you watch anime to learn Japanese, you will probably get this reference from Naruto!

10. 狸 (Tanuki): Raccoon

Tanuki somewhat translates to “raccoon” in English, but they are a unique species to Japan and East Asia (check here for other animals in Japanese). In folklore, they possess magical powers similar to those of a kitsune due to their shape-shifting abilities. They also seem to have a reputation for being mischievous, tricking humans from time to time, but they are known for their friendly nature and even revered for their abilities.

In ancient tales, Tanuki were considered to be the gods of nature as well as messengers for the gods. However, after Buddhism was introduced to Japan, their reputation as a sort of deity faded. They were still presented as very powerful, able to shapeshift into people and live among them without ever being noticed. They can even transform into objects if they wish.

Generally, tanuki are good-natured and enjoy the company of humans. However, like humans, they each have their personal traits. Even when they are in human form, they can fall into the same vices such as lying, cheating, or stealing. They may even use their magical powers to do great harm to humans. 

11. 首かじり (Kubikajiri): Head Eaters

While the literal translation of Kubikajiri is “neck biters”, they actually are ghostly entities that feed on the heads of corpses. They look old, balding, with hair falling out, discolored skin, and sunken eyes. They look like the Japanese ghost of the undead, of something that is tired and desperately hungry for heads.

This yurei is said to come from the restless souls of the elderly who were left starving to death by their family during times of famine or economic hardship. Their resentment for being treated as a burden and neglected causes their souls to return as a Kubikajiri. Then, once their family who wronged them has departed, they will find their graves and feast on their heads.

12. 魑魅 (Chimi): Mountain spirit 

Chimi is the general term for spirits found in the mountains, woods, rivers, lakes, and other natural places in Japan. They have human-like faces but bestial bodies, crawling on all fours. They tend to eat human corpses and can be quite dangerous, leading people off their path, isolating them to be killed and eaten. Some can even be pure evil, bringing disease to populations. The most evil of them are called Jami or “evil spirits”.

13. 鬼 (Oni): Demon

Perhaps one of the most famous Japanese folklore, oni, once described all Japanese ghosts, or monsters, but over time has come to describe demons, ogres, or evil spirits created in hell to punish the wicked. Oni usually possess supernatural powers, wielding dark magic that can bring disaster, disease, or thunder and lightning. They are also giant, larger than any human, and much stronger. Their appearance is very menacing; usually, they have red or blue skin, large horns, and teeth. 

Oni are usually born in hell or found deep in the mountains; however, if a man is wicked enough, they can be transformed into an oni to torment the living. These are the ones most legends talk about and pose the greatest danger to humankind. 

There is a vast literature, artwork, and stories told of Oni and their destructive power against humans; however, they seem to have a profound impact on Japanese culture as well. Their imagery can be found throughout Japanese culture as masks worn in plays and festivals or worn by samurai to strike fear into the heart of their enemies. 

Oni are often shown to be evil and malicious, but sometimes are depicted to be protectors, even bringing good fortune, especially in modern times.  

14. 死神 (Shinigami): Death Spirit

Shinigami literally translates to “god of death,” but actually broadly refers to creatures or spirits that possess people to drive them to death. They are particularly drawn to places of evil, or locations with a history of death and human suffering, like graveyards or battlefields. 

They are generally believed to cause cycles of tragedy in specific places, which will continue until the area or person is sufficiently exorcised. They love to linger in areas tainted with evil, waiting for someone to haunt, especially people who are particularly wicked, since once processed, they will obsess over every wrongdoing they have done and long for death. 

15. 龍 (Tatsu): Dragon

Tatsu are Japanese mythical dragons, very similar to the legendary dragons of China, with long serpent-like bodies, long claws, and faces with long horns or antlers and beards. They are some of the most revered creatures in Japanese mythology, often considered to be like deities, with people honoring them with festivals, pilgrimages, and prayers. 

They are highly associated with rivers, waterfalls, seas, and mountains, making homes there, usually secluded away. Like western dragons, they are known to hoard treasure and magical artifacts in their homes. However, they are usually seen as pure and good, offering wisdom and magical gifts to those who are worthy. There are also tales of a very malicious Tatsu who tormented humans out of spite. So, Tatsu can also be a terrifying and powerful villain.

Closing Up: More Japanese ghosts to discover with Coto Academy!

This list of fascinating yurei and other supernatural creatures is just the tip of the iceberg. There are perhaps thousands of different yurei and yokai to discover! As you read more about these intriguing tales, you may discover more about Japanese culture that you never knew and even see how history is preserved even to the modern day. 

At Coto Academy, we believe language learning goes hand-in-hand with cultural discovery. Want to dive deeper into yurei legends and even read spooky stories in Japanese? Our classes are designed to help you engage with real, authentic Japanese, folklore included! Check out Japanese courses at Coto Academy and sign up today! Fill out the form below for a free level check and consultation. 

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