Just when you thought that the fantasy and mystery of yokai culture were limited to traditional ghosts and gods, Japanese culture decided to challenge your imagination once again.
Yes, even an ordinary slipper has a chance to turn around gorgeously and become a "noble" youkai in this country.
This kind of itemized monster culture can't help but make people amazed, and at the same time, there is a trace of doubt: it is really strange that anything can become a monster!
The Japanese idea of "old things are weird" stems from their ancient beliefs. It is believed that all items, as long as they are used for a long enough time, can accumulate energy or spirituality, and eventually turn into a youkai.
This concept is known in Japan as "Fu Fu Kajin" ( covers everything from ancient ** to modern household items.
Admittedly, this reflects the Japanese culture's respect for animism and the richness of the imagination, but it is really hard to suppress a sense of absurdity in the heart of a slipper as a being that may have a soul of its own.
In contrast, although there is a similar concept of "animism" in Chinese culture, it mainly focuses on the mountains and rivers in the natural world and specific cultural relics and antiques, and rarely involves such everyday and insignificant objects.
Most of the yokai legends in China are related to specific historical figures or animals, rather than even everyday items as in Japan.
Imagine that one day you come home and find that your slippers are missing, it turns out that it is tired of being trampled on and decides to run away from home in search of a chance to become a top youkai.
Or more dramatically, it may be hiding in a corner and waiting for an opportunity to take revenge on you – because you don't wash it on time, leaving it covered in dust.
Overall, while Japan's strange culture is full of imagination and creativity, the mindset that anything can turn into a yokai can't help but feel a little absurd.
After all, in real life, most people still prefer to believe that a slipper is just a slipper, isn't it?