Welcome to our debut episode of Yokai Summer, where we dive into the fascinating world of Japanese folklore and explore the mysterious creatures known as Yokai. In this episode, we journey through the tales and lore of five intriguing, water-based Yokai:

1. Kappa: Learn about the water-dwelling trickster known for its unique appearance and mischievous behavior. We'll discuss its habits, strengths, and the ways people have historically protected themselves from this notorious creature.

2. Nure Onna: Discover the eerie legend of the Nure Onna, a serpent-woman who haunts riversides. We'll unravel her story, her origins, and the chilling encounters that have been passed down through generations.

3. Ushioni: Dive into the terrifying accounts of the Ushioni, a monstrous ox-demon that terrorizes coastal regions. We'll explore its fearsome attributes and the cultural significance it holds in various regions of Japan.

4. Umi-Bozu: Venture into the high seas as we uncover the mysteries of the Umi-Bozu, a gigantic sea spirit that rises from the ocean depths. We'll discuss sailors' tales, the different interpretations of their appearance, and their ominous presence in maritime folklore.

5. Amabie: Finally, we'll touch on the benevolent yet enigmatic Amabie, known for its prophetic abilities and connection to health and well-being. We'll examine its resurgence in modern times and its role in contemporary culture.

To wrap up the episode, we'll introduce our new closing segment, Weird Facts, where we share bizarre and fascinating tidbits related to our topic. Today's topic is strange food from Japan!

Join us for an enchanting and spine-chilling exploration as we kick off Yokai Summer, and prepare to be captivated by the supernatural wonders of Japanese folklore!

Kiki's reference for this series is: The Book of Japanese Folklore by Thersa Matsuura

Our featured music is from Stereo Christ with thier song "Gigan".