Medieval Period

About This Era

1185-1573

During the medieval period, yokai began to take on physical forms through art like "picture scrolls." The famous "Night Parade of One Hundred Demons" depicted a variety of visual monsters, including Tsukumogami—old household tools that came to life after being discarded. In this era, yokai often filled the role of antagonists in heroic tales. Stories of brave samurai battling supernatural foes became popular, shifting the image of yokai from formless fears to recognizable creatures that could be confronted and defeated.