Yōkai are mythical, supernatural beings that are popular in Japanese folklore and often based on animals and objects in nature. These Yōkai beings have had a huge influence on many Pokémon and Studio Ghibli characters! In this video, meet Nananami Takeuchi, an artist inspired by Japanese folklore and mythology; and follow along she illustrates a group of Yōkai, and shares tips for how you can create your own!
The scene that Nanami draws is a group of Yōkai on their way to a lantern parade. The Yōkai group is made up of a Fox Kitsune (foxes that have paranormal powers) and a turtle. Also, an Oni (a human shaped ogre) and a Kappa (a toad/turtle sprite) riding on the back of a Nue Chimera (an animal made up from lots of different animals).
Watch this video, get inspired and have a go at drawing your own scene! What would your Yōkai look like?
Keen to carry on drawing? Check out How To Draw Manga Eyes. Keen to test your Anime and Manga knowledge? Take the Anime and Manga Trivia Quiz! Or if you’re just wanting to learn more about how Japanese folklore and myths have influenced today – check out all our content about it here.
