Hyakki Yagyo (百鬼夜行)

Hyakki Yagyo (Night Parade of One Hundred Demons) refers to a nocturnal procession of demons and Yokai in Japanese folklore and represents one of the most classical motifs in the history of yokai art.

Originating in Heian-period tales, it was feared that encountering the parade could bring death: stories often tell of people escaping harm through Buddhist prayers or protective chants. Countless strange beings are described moving noisily through the night, reflecting fear, imagination, and beliefs about unseen forces.

Artist’s Note

This canvas is composed in the style of traditional emaki (picture scrolls), with the parade moving from right to left, as narratives once unfolded when scrolls were opened.

Although “Hyakki” suggests one hundred demons, the number symbolized abundance; here, I depict fifteen Yokai.