In Japanese folklore, yokai are odd, supernatural entities and phenomena. Yokai can be translated as either monster, demon, ghost, or goblin, yet it refers to all these things and more. Ghosts, gods, altered people and animals, demonic possession, urban tales, and other unusual happenings are all part of the yokai universe. Japanese folklore is a synthesis of several traditions, having its roots in the traditional religions and isolated tribes residing on the Japanese islands.