Waters, Seas & Rivers

About This Habitat

Yokai associated with bodies of water—rivers, lakes, seas, and coastlines. Water has always been a source of both life and danger in Japan, and its yokai reflect this duality. The kappa inhabits rivers and ponds, the umi-bōzu rises from the ocean depths, and the funa-yūrei haunts ships at sea. These yokai often represent the unpredictable and treacherous nature of water itself.