Sorry that I haven't been on much, guys, I've been really busy getting ready for my exchange.

Anyway, I was looking through my kiddy-youkai site that I've mentioned before and came across the Raijuu. And in the description, they mentioned that there is a Raijuu mummy enshrined in Niigata Prefecture. So I started looking into it and found some really interesting stuff.



These are apparently pictures of youkai mummies. Whether they are real or not is to each his own opinion, but I thought it would make an interesting discussion. I'll do a quick translation of what each is and where from if it's mentioned for those that can't read Japanese.

They are:
-Ishikawa Pref. - 3faced Oni
-Ooita Pref. - Oni
-Ooita Pref. - Oni (at Rakanji) - it was lost in a fire in 1943
-This one was found in the Edo period, being taken home by a Dutchman from Nagasaki
-From a museum in Kagoshima Pref. - origin unknown
-A Kappa mummy in a Dutch museum, also from the Edo Period
-Oosaka - Kappa
-A Kappa mummy found in the roof of Matsuura brewery
-Iwate Pref. - Raijuu
-Niigata Pref. - Raijuu
-Aomori Pref. - Tengu
-Yamagata Pref. - Monk (?)
-Same as above
-Fukushima Pref. - Monk (?) - I think these mean someone who (tried to?) attain Buddhahood during their life but someone else might be able to translate it better... I've heard of mummified monks in China (I think), so it could be like that.


So yeah. I thought this would be interesting and I would like to know everyone's opinions on it ^^

Nice. This thread reminds me of the program I watched in NHK. I was wondering when they'd play it again but thanks to this I don't need to look anymore. ^^ Thanks for the post 先生.

I'm glad you liked it, 電灰 ^^
If I find anymore, I'll post some more links.

Thank you for sharing! It reminds me of an old site that I used to visit. It also features many images like that. Unluckily, the site is already down for so many years.

interesting. O-o i want to see some of these up close. i bet there is still some spirit-power lurking inside the mummies. i wonder if their ghosts hang around and make fun of the tourists.

Me too. I really want to see the Kappa - they looks so interesting. As well as the Raijuu, seeing how it's hard to tell if it's a normal cat or not. If it's, say, 4x the average cat, then I suppose they probably have a claim to it XD - but there's never been a mention of size, unfortunately.
I'll be in Japan from April, so if I get to go to the museum in Oosaka, I'll be sure to report about it! ^^

And, I'm sure they probably do enjoy the attention for the tourists. "All these weird people looking at me and taking pictures" XD