Tag: ‘Monster’

Video: Mystery creature in Sagami Bay

15 Oct 2010

Cameras aboard JAMSTEC's Hyper-Dolphin ROV have captured footage of something strange lurking on the floor of Sagami Bay, southwest of Tokyo.


+ Video

Giant sea frog? Ningen? Smiling rock with sea sponge eyes? You be the judge.

Monster illustrations from Ultraman sonosheet book

27 Sep 2010

These Ultra Monster illustrations by Toshio Okazaki are from 'The Return of Ultraman' sonosheet book (Volume 1) published by Elm in 1971.

Monster illustration by Toshio Okazaki --
Takkong, Ultraman, Twin Tail [+]

Monster illustration by Toshio Okazaki --
Zazahn, Sadora [+]

Monster illustration by Toshio Okazaki --
Kingsaurus III, Alien Zarab, Geronimon [+]

Monster illustration by Toshio Okazaki --
Jirass, MAT Arrow 1, MAT Arrow 2 [+]

Monster illustration by Toshio Okazaki --
Gorbagos, Suflan, Kiyla [+]

Monster illustration by Toshio Okazaki --
Keronia, Dada, Shugaron [+]

Monster illustration by Toshio Okazaki --
Mognezun, Kemular [+]

Monster illustration by Toshio Okazaki --
Seagoras, Seabozu, Dodongo [+]

Monster illustration by Toshio Okazaki --
Dorako, Ultraman, Gomora [+]

Monster illustration by Toshio Okazaki --
Skydon, Earthtron, MAT Arrow 2 [+]

Monster illustration by Toshio Okazaki --
Dangar, Gabora, Gyango, Alien Baltan [+]

Monster illustration by Toshio Okazaki --
Antlar, Pigmon, Gudon [+]

Monster illustration by Toshio Okazaki --
Pestar, Ultraman, Gabadon, Alien Zarab [+]

Monster illustration by Toshio Okazaki --
Detton, Zambolar, Telesdon [+]

Monster illustration by Toshio Okazaki --
Gamakujira, Stegon, MAT Vehicle, Kanegon [+]

Monster illustration by Toshio Okazaki --
Alien Mephilas, Hydra, Jamila, Ultraman [+]

Monster illustration by Toshio Okazaki --
Gesura, MAT Sub [+]

[More: Ultra Monster paintings by Toshio Okazaki]

Ultra Monster paintings by Toshio Okazaki

01 Sep 2010

A pair of action-packed Ultraman Monster paintings by Toshio Okazaki were published in Shōgakukan's 1979 edition of Ultra Kaiju (Shōgakukan Nyūmon Hyakka Series #97).

Ultra kaiju painting by Toshio Okazaki --
[+]

Ultra kaiju painting by Toshio Okazaki --
[+]

Ultra kaiju painting by Toshio Okazaki --
Alien Guts, Windam, Gyango, Black End, Kingsaurus III, Bemstar

Ultra kaiju painting by Toshio Okazaki --
Alien Icarus, Gomora, Muruchi, Alien Baltan, Alien Magma, Kemular

Ultra kaiju painting by Toshio Okazaki --
Dancan, Giradorus, Astromons

Ultra kaiju painting by Toshio Okazaki --
Gandar, Gabora, Alien Metron, Agira, Antlar, Seabozu, Woo

Ultra kaiju painting by Toshio Okazaki --
Gubira, Takkong, Pestar, Gamakujira, Bemular

Ultra kaiju painting by Toshio Okazaki --
Eleking, Alien Kuuru, King Joe, Zemistiar

Ultra kaiju painting by Toshio Okazaki --
Geronimon, Jirass, Alien Pegassa, Dino-Tank

Ultra kaiju painting by Toshio Okazaki --
Pegassa, Hydra, Black King, Mephilas, Verokron, Starbem Gyeron, Red King, Dorako, Godola

[Source: Ultra Kaiju (Shōgakukan Nyūmon Hyakka Series #97), 1979]

Macabre kids’ book art by Gojin Ishihara

26 Jul 2010

Here is a collection of wonderfully weird illustrations by Gōjin Ishihara, whose work graced the pages of numerous kids' books in the 1970s. The first 16 images below appeared in the "Illustrated Book of Japanese Monsters" (1972), which profiled supernatural creatures from Japanese legend. The other illustrations appeared in various educational and entertainment-oriented publications for children.

Illustration by Gōjin Ishihara --
- Kappa (river imp), Illustrated Book of Japanese Monsters, 1972

Illustration by Gojin Ishihara --
- Jorōgumo (lit. "whore spider"), Illustrated Book of Japanese Monsters, 1972

Illustration by Gōjin Ishihara --
- Kubire-oni (strangler demon), Illustrated Book of Japanese Monsters, 1972

Illustration by Goujin Ishihara --
- Rokurokubi (long-necked woman), Illustrated Book of Japanese Monsters, 1972

Illustration by Goujin Ishihara --
- Onmoraki (bird demon), Illustrated Book of Japanese Monsters, 1972

Illustration by Gojin Ishihara --
- Nekomata (cat monster), Illustrated Book of Japanese Monsters, 1972

Illustration by Gōjin Ishihara --
- Tengu (bird-like demon), Illustrated Book of Japanese Monsters, 1972

Illustration by Gojin Ishihara --
- Tenjō-sagari (ceiling dweller), Illustrated Book of Japanese Monsters, 1972

Illustration by Gojin Ishihara --
- Enma Dai-Ō (King of Hell), Illustrated Book of Japanese Monsters, 1972

Illustration by Gojin Ishihara --
- Kyūbi no kitsune (nine-tailed fox), Illustrated Book of Japanese Monsters, 1972

Illustration by Gojin Ishihara --
- Baku (dream-eating chimera), Illustrated Book of Japanese Monsters, 1972

Illustration by Gojin Ishihara --
- Yūrei (ghost), Illustrated Book of Japanese Monsters, 1972

Illustration by Gōjin Ishihara --
- Yamasei (mountain sprite), Illustrated Book of Japanese Monsters, 1972

Illustration by Goujin Ishihara --
- Rashōmon no oni (ogre of Rashōmon Gate), Illustrated Book of Japanese Monsters, 1972

Illustration by Gojin Ishihara --
- Waira (mountain-dwelling chimera), Illustrated Book of Japanese Monsters, 1972

Illustration by Gojin Ishihara --
- Nure-onna (snake woman), Illustrated Book of Japanese Monsters, 1972

Illustration by Gojin Ishihara --
- Hell of Repetition (Illustrated Book of Hell, 1975)

Illustration by Gojin Ishihara --
- Burning Hell (Illustrated Book of Hell, 1975)

Illustration by Gōjin Ishihara --
- Demons of the Orient (The Complete Book of Demons, 1974)

Illustration by Gojin Ishihara --
- The appearance of Satan (The Complete Book of Demons, 1974)

Illustration by Gojin Ishihara --
- Gorgon (Illustrated Book of World Monsters, 1973)

Illustration by Gojin Ishihara --
- Aliens in ancient Japan (Mysteries of the World, 1970)

Illustration by Goujin Ishihara --
- Alien (Mysteries of the World, 1970)

Illustration by Gojin Ishihara --
- Emergency Command 10-4 10-10 (sonosheet book, 1972)

Illustration by Gōjin Ishihara --
- Emergency Command 10-4 10-10 (sonosheet book, 1972)

Illustration by Gojin Ishihara --
- Kaiketsu Lion-Maru (sonosheet book, 1972)

Illustration by Gojin Ishihara --
- Kaiketsu Lion-Maru (sonosheet book, 1972)

Illustration by Gojin Ishihara --
- Prehistoric man as modern-day baseball player (Prehistoric Man, 1970)

Illustration by Gojin Ishihara --
- Prehistoric man as modern-day wrestler (Prehistoric Man, 1970)

Illustration by Gojin Ishihara --
- Prehistoric man as modern-day security guard (Prehistoric Man, 1970)

Illustration by Gōjin Ishihara --
- The secretary who spied for 18 years (from Spy Wars)

Illustration by Gojin Ishihara --
- World's biggest glutton (World's Greatest Wonders, 1971)

Illustration by Gojin Ishihara --
- Precognition of plane crash (Mysteries of the Body, 1973)

Illustration by Gojin Ishihara --
- Nostradamus (Psychics of the World, 1974)

Illustration by Goujin Ishihara --
- Frozen planet (Year X: End of the World, 1975)

Illustration by Gōjin Ishihara --
Dark star gravity (Year X: End of the World, 1975)

[Link: Gōjin Fechi]

‘Bakemono Zukushi’ monster scroll

24 Jun 2010

The Bakemono Zukushi handscroll, painted in the Edo period (18th-19th century) by an unknown artist, depicts 24 traditional monsters that once used to spook the people of Japan.

Bakemono Zukushi monster scroll --
Oyajirome (親白眼) has a bulging eye on the back of its head and a claw on its one-fingered hand.

Bakemono Zukushi monster scroll --
Daichiuchi (大地打) is a mallet-wielding monster with a bird-like face.

Bakemono Zukushi monster scroll --
Dōmo-kōmo (どうもこうも) is a two-headed creature with gray skin.

Bakemono Zukushi monster scroll --
Sara-hebi (さら蛇) is a large, snake-like creature with the head of a woman.

Bakemono Zukushi monster scroll --
Mi-no-kedachi (身の毛立) has a coat of body hair that stands on end.

Bakemono Zukushi monster scroll --
Nobusuma (のぶすま) has a brown body, human-like face, spiky hair, claws, and sharp black teeth.

Bakemono Zukushi monster scroll --
Uma-shika (馬鹿) is a horse-like monster with a horn on its head and a single bulging eye.

Bakemono Zukushi monster scroll --
Hajikkaki (はぢっかき) has a round white body with short arms and legs.

Bakemono Zukushi monster scroll --
Odoroshi (おどろし) is a red-faced monster with big eyes, black teeth, and long hair.

Bakemono Zukushi monster scroll --
Yume-no-seirei ("dream ghost" - 夢の精霊) appears as a thin old man in a white robe.

Bakemono Zukushi monster scroll --
Yamamba (山姥) is a mountain hag.

Bakemono Zukushi monster scroll --
Rokurokubi (ろくろくび), a long-necked woman, is pictured next to an Inugami (犬神) dog spirit.

Bakemono Zukushi monster scroll --
Boukon (亡魂), a departed soul, appears to have pale blue skin, long hair, and a distended belly.

Bakemono Zukushi monster scroll --
Ushi-oni (牛鬼) is a sea monster with the head of a cow and the body of a giant spider or crab.

Bakemono Zukushi monster scroll --
Yamawaro (山童) is a one-eyed kappa-like creature found in the mountains.

Bakemono Zukushi monster scroll --
Buraribi (ぶらり火) is a white, bird-like creature surrounded by ghostly flames.

Bakemono Zukushi monster scroll --
Uwan (うわん) is a creature that inhabits abandoned buildings.

Bakemono Zukushi monster scroll --
Akashita ("red tongue" - 赤舌) is a hairy-faced creature that hides in a dark cloud.

Bakemono Zukushi monster scroll --
Yuki-onna ("snow woman" - 雪女) appears on snowy nights as a beautiful woman with long hair.

Bakemono Zukushi monster scroll --
Nekomata (猫また) cat demon plays the shamisen next to a kitsune (狐) fox spirit.

Bakemono Zukushi monster scroll --
Kami-kiri ("hair cutter" - 髪切) are known for sneaking up on people and cutting off their hair.

- View the entire scroll.

[Via: International Research Center for Japanese Studies - Yokai Database]

Pachimon postcards

14 Jun 2010

Here is a collection of vintage bromide cards showing various pachimon kaiju (imitation creatures based loosely on famous TV and movie monsters) at iconic locations around the world. Published by Yokopro in the 1970s.

Pachi-mon --
New York

Pachi-monster --
London

Pachi-monster illustration --
Egypt

Pachi-mono card --
India

Pachimono card --
Italy

Pachimon illustration --
Africa

Pachi-monster card --
Netherlands

Pachi-mono card --
Rome

Pachimon illustration --
Mexico

Pachimon illustration --
Alaska

Pachi-mono card --
Hong Kong

Pachimono card --
America

Pachi-mon bromide --
Africa

Pachi monster bromide --
London

Pachimon postcard --
Hawaii

Pachi-mon --
Moscow

Pachimono postcard --
Paris

Pachi-mon illustration --
America

[Link: Room 103]

Zombie meat

24 May 2010

Zombie Meat (Zonbi niku) --

"Zombie Meat," an exquisite new Japanese snack for the horror enthusiast, consists of bite-sized chunks of tender blue flesh that, according to the package, has been aged to deadly perfection at the graveyard.

Zombie Meat (Zombi niku) beef jerky --
Zombie Meat

The ghastly meat snack, which tastes remarkably like peppered beef jerky, can be found at select shops in Japan for 399 yen (about $4.50) per pack.

Ultra Monster art by Takayoshi Mizuki

15 Apr 2010

Here is a selection of Ultra Monster illustrations done by Takayoshi Mizuki between 1965 and 1972.

Ultra Kaiju illustration by Takayoshi Mizuki --
Ultraseven vs. Aron

Ultra Kaiju illustration by Takayoshi Mizuki --
Ultraman vs. Gabula & Rigger

Ultra Kaiju illustration by Takayoshi Mizuki --
Alien Goron vs. Gumonga

Ultra Kaiju illustration by Takayoshi Mizuki --
Kaiju Ebanashi

Ultra Kaiju illustration by Takayoshi Mizuki --
Alien Godola, Alien Borg, Alien Baltan, Alien Zarab, Alien Icarus, Alien Bado

Ultra Kaiju illustration by Takayoshi Mizuki --
Eleking, Dino-Tank

Ultra Kaiju illustration by Takayoshi Mizuki --

Ultra Kaiju illustration by Takayoshi Mizuki --
Capsule Monsters: Windam, Agira, Miclas

Ultra Kaiju illustration by Takayoshi Mizuki --
Ultraseven

Ultra Kaiju illustration by Takayoshi Mizuki --

Ultra Kaiju illustration by Takayoshi Mizuki --

Ultra Kaiju illustration by Takayoshi Mizuki -- Ultra Kaiju illustration by Takayoshi Mizuki --
Alien Baltan // Magular

Ultra Kaiju illustration by Takayoshi Mizuki -- Ultra Kaiju illustration by Takayoshi Mizuki --
Garamon // Kanegon

Ultra Kaiju illustration by Takayoshi Mizuki -- Ultra Kaiju illustration by Takayoshi Mizuki --
Litra & Gomess // Peter & Todora

Ultra Kaiju illustration by Takayoshi Mizuki --
Ultraseven, Alien Icarus, Alien Pega, Alien Cool

Ultra Kaiju illustration by Takayoshi Mizuki --
Ultraseven, Bostang, Starbem Gyeron

Ultra Kaiju illustration by Takayoshi Mizuki --
Kaiju Ebanashi

Ultra Kaiju illustration by Takayoshi Mizuki --
Ultraman vs. Jirass

Ultra Kaiju illustration by Takayoshi Mizuki --
Seabozu & Zaragas

Ultra Kaiju illustration by Takayoshi Mizuki --
Peguila & Kanegon

Ultra Kaiju illustration by Takayoshi Mizuki --
Jamila & Alien Mephilas

Ultra Kaiju illustration by Takayoshi Mizuki --
Kaiju Ebanashi

Ultra Kaiju illustration by Takayoshi Mizuki --
Aboras, Banila, Zambolar

Ultra Kaiju illustration by Takayoshi Mizuki --
Ultraman vs. Jamila

Ultra Kaiju illustration by Takayoshi Mizuki --
Ultraman, Alien Baltan, Bemular

[Link: Takayoshi Mizuki]

Hanako-san, terror of the toilet

14 Apr 2010

Hanako-san -- a spooky young girl that haunts school restrooms across Japan -- has in recent decades become one of the nation's most famous ghosts.

Toire no Hanako-san -- Toire no Hanako-san --

It is not uncommon for schools to have a toilet permanently occupied by the mysterious girl, who is known in Japanese as Toire no Hanako-san (lit. "Hanako of the toilet"). She is often found in the third stall in the restroom on the third floor -- usually the girls' room -- but this can vary from school to school. Details about her physical appearance also vary, but she is usually described as having bobbed hair and wearing a red skirt.

Hanako-san's behavior also varies according to location, but in most cases, she remains holed up in the bathroom until an adventurous student dares to provoke her. Hanako-san can be conjured up by knocking on the door to her stall (usually three times), calling her name, and asking a particular question. The most common question is simply "Are you there, Hanako-san?" If Hanako-san is indeed present, she says in a faint voice, "Yes, I'm here." Some stories claim that anyone courageous enough to open the door at this point is greeted by a little girl in a red skirt and then pulled into the toilet.

Hanako --
Toire no Hanako-san, by Digital Dolls

Details about Hanako-san's origins are murky. Although she became a national phenomenon in the 1980s, there is speculation that she has existed since the 1950s. Some stories claim she is the ghost of a WWII-era girl who died in a bombing raid on the school while she was playing hide-and-seek. Other stories claim she is the restless spirit of a young girl who met her end at the hands of an abusive or deranged parent (or a perverted stranger, according to some stories) who found her hiding in the bathroom. In some cases, she is the ghost of a former student who died in an unfortunate accident at the school (one story from Fukushima prefecture, for example, claims she is the ghost of a girl who fell out of the library window).

Hanako-san in the toilet --
Hanako-san photo by Sammi Sparke

Countless versions of the Hanako-san legend have emerged over time. Here are a few of the more colorful variations:

- According to one Yamagata prefecture legend, something terrible will happen to you if Hanako-san speaks to you in a nasty voice. Another legend from Yamagata prefecture claims that Hanako-san is actually a 3-meter-long, 3-headed lizard that uses a little girl's voice to attract prey.

- At a school in the town of Kurosawajiri (Iwate prefecture), it is said that a large, white hand emerges from a hole in the floor of the third bathroom stall if you say "third Hanako-san" (sanbanme no Hanako-san).

- In the boys' room at a school in Yokohama (Kanagawa prefecture), it is said that a bloody hand emerges from the toilet (presumably an old-fashioned squatter) if you walk around it three times while calling Hanako-san's name.

- Stories have also circulated about a so-called "Hanako fungus" that can infect anyone who scrapes their knee on the playground. The infection reportedly causes tiny mushrooms to sprout from the scab.

Hanako --
Toire no Hanako-san, by HAL-2oo6

For the most part, Hanako-san is harmless and can be avoided simply by staying away from her designated hiding spot. But if you ever need to get rid of her, try showing her a graded exam with a perfect score. Some legends claim that the sight of good grades makes her vanish into thin air.

[Note: This is the latest in a series of weekly posts on Japanese urban legends.]