怪人 Kaijin are "mysterious humanoids", similar to Kaiju but on a smaller scale. In this case the Vampires of the following three movies fit the bill that filled up my Saturday morning. First up is Vampire Doll.
Great spooky thriller about hypnotism, the undead and a very naughty doctor.
The next movie is Lake of Dracula (1971), a creepy film of vampires, mistaken identity and a bit of rape and murder. The younger sister was terrific.
Finally, my favourite and goriest of the three is Evil of Dracula (1974), with sorority gals and Vamps.
They're all part of Michio Yamamoto's Bloodthirsty Trilogy, a gorier than usual Toho trio of flicks.
For our Yokai today, we move to the continent of Afurika.
Below on the left is ベルフェゴル (Belphegor), is a demon and one of the seven princes of Hell who helps people make discoveries by suggesting to them ingenious inventions that make them rich.
On the right is デボラー (Deborah); she is supposed to be a Prophetess of the God of the Israelites. I cannot locate any info on her being a Yokai.
アシャンティ (Ashanti) likes to eat humans and whistles. It is believed by the Ubangi tribe,that if you put a flute on it, you will be dismembered and eaten. (Hint: DO NOT put a flute on it.)
Not to be confused with this gal...
Other African Yokai are in the following picture including Apophis, Ibris, Marido,Wanitsuki, and Mummies. (Spelling is questionable.)
Today's meal was courtesy of Mickey and friends in spooky pasta. I added spaghetti sauce, raisins and pumpkin seeds. Rather yummy.
Caramel flavoured Pepsi for my virgin aperitif. Not much caramel taste though a sickly sweet caramel aftertaste.
As an added Disney bonus, here are a dozen Coo'Nuts featuring some Disney villains and villainesses. Can you identify them all? (The Mickey and Minnie are not villainous.)
I'm a tad behind on my posts. I'll try and catch up tomorrow.
Two and a half years ago, I went to the small town of Tono and visited the Folklore Museum there. I took several photos and you can view them at that link, or check these out.
(Hint: unless you have twenty-five minutes to spare and are fluent in Japanese, AND are not sleepy, you can check out a presentation of several folk tales. We didn't really have that much time, we are not especially fluent in Japanese, and I DID nod off.)
I don't recall looking up last time so I missed all these cool banners.
Check out this particular pair of pics. This will be part of a theme...
That Kappa appears to be up to some mischief.
In the gift shop is Kitty-Kappa...
I picked up a Kappa for myself.
Outside the museum were a pair of Trick or Treaters seeking Soft-Ice Cream.
And a neighbouring restaurant.
We took a slight detour en route to our next destination to check out the 100 yen shop.
I saw a very familiar Kappa and a homemade Kappa costume.
Throughout the town, Kappa are on many road signs.
Now the reason for our trip, revisiting the カッパ淵 (Kappa-Buchi, Kappa-Pool). (Click that link to find out how to get there.) Last time we went was on my birthday two years ago (see link at the top) and this time the weather was far less inclement. First up the entrance to the Shrine.
This time the river (stream) wasn't at all murky and very clean.
This dangling cucumber (its favourite snack) is a permanent fixture, hoping to snag a Kappa.
I got in on the action and went fishing for a Kappa myself.
I almost got one but she was busy breastfeeding her pup/kit/tadpole? what is the name for a baby Kappa? Let's go with Kappette.
Inside the mini shrine.
Contemplative...
We drove past a display outside a farmhouse and I had to stop to photograph all the sculptures.
What a strange place to put the hose. Or is it a catheter?
I think that's a cucumber in his hand, but I could be mistaken.
So ends part one of my trip to Tono, more tomorrow.
Just a couple more Yokai from Europe before bedtime. First up is your typical Shoku-shiki or Ghoul Demons. These ghouls tend to eat fresh corpses but will occasionally dine on young children.
ハールシンキ (Harushinki) is a progression of demons. Suggestion, they'll disperse if you bleat a trumpet.
