November 10, 2022: Your Handy Guide to Weird Yokai!

Before entering the underworld, souls are met by the Datsue-ba, an elderly woman who strips off their clothes. Those who attempt to avoid this indignity by showing up naked have their skin stripped off instead. Thieves will also have their fingers broken for good measure.

The sea-dwelling Umi Bozu are so large that only their heads and shoulders peek over the surface on calm nights when they appear to spook sailors and smash their boats to bits. They apparently can’t stand tobacco. One more reason for you to take up smoking.

The Raiju (aka Thunder Beast) is composed of pure lightning. It rides the skies during thunderstorms, usually in the form of a dog or wolf, descending on tress and buildings, causing destruction and mayhem wherever it lands.

The Jikininki is a flesh-eating ghoul that hangs around temples at night or wherever it can grab a quick, freshly-deceased snack. Though not a threat to the living, they can nevertheless be a source of annoyance at funeral services.

The Umi Zato, Blind Man of the Sea, is an elderly giant who walks along the surface of the sea, tapping the area ahead of him with his cane to identify errant waves lest he trip over them. Somewhat temperamental, the Umi Zato have been known to capsize boats, so steer clear!

Today’s Yes/No…

Coffee-flavored Seltzer? Yes/Nohttps://t.co/wxmCBlRl8P pic.twitter.com/hizxWg8kOC

— Joseph Mallozzi (@BaronDestructo) November 10, 2022

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