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Variety of yōkai stories due in part to origin of Edo residents

Thank You for Joining Our Book Talk - Onibi: Diary of a Yokai Ghost Hunter

Our recent program featured an engaging exploration of Onibi: Diary of a Yokai Ghost Hunter by Atelier Sentō, recipient of the Silver Prize at the Japan International Manga Award and an Honorable Mention from the Freeman Book Awards. The session introduced participants to the rich world of Japanese yokai—supernatural beings that have evolved over centuries from feared spirits such as foxes (kitsune), demons (oni), and goblins (tengu) into beloved figures of literature, art, and popular culture. Drawing from historical sources and Edo-period print traditions, the presentation traced how yokai were catalogued, illustrated, commercialized, and eventually revived in modern manga, demonstrating their enduring adaptability and cultural significance.

Beyond folklore, the discussion situated Onibi within broader educational and global contexts, highlighting how the text aligns with literacy standards and global competency goals while offering meaningful entry points into conversations about climate, food culture, rural revitalization, stereotypes, and critiques of modern consumer society . Participants examined how Atelier Sentō’s diary-style narrative—shaped by careful observation of everyday life in Japan—invites readers to move beyond surface-level impressions and engage more deeply with place, memory, and cultural identity. 

The session emphasized that yokai are not merely fantastical creatures; they function as mirrors of social change, vehicles for subtle resistance, and tools for storytelling that help communities make sense of uncertainty. By connecting history, art, literature, and contemporary issues, the program demonstrated the continued relevance of Japanese folklore and offered educators practical pathways for bringing these themes into the classroom. Our participant, Dona, shares: "This was amazing.  I loved learning about the history of the Yokai, the history of publishing and entertainment arts, and the themes of the book." During the webinar, our participant, Kate, also shared great resources for further discussions.

The first 25 participants received a free copy of the book, and local (Los Angeles) participants will receive a free ticket to the exhibition at USC Pacific Asia Museum.This program is made possible by the USC U.S.-China Institute and the National Consortium for Teaching about Asia, with special collaboration from the Freeman Book Awards.

Please refer to the list of resources below if you want to learn more!