Name Meaning
Hyakki Yakō (百鬼夜行) translates to “Night Parade of One Hundred Demons.” It’s a supernatural event where a procession of yokai roams the streets at night.
- Hyakki (百鬼) = one hundred demons
- Yakō (夜行) = night parade or night procession
Origin
- Appears in classical literature and Edo-period artwork.
- Serves as a warning tale about wandering at night.
- Linked to spiritual and seasonal disturbances.
Appearance
- Includes a wild variety of yokai—some grotesque, some whimsical.
- Often shown as a chaotic line of monsters roaming ancient roads or alleys.
- Depicted in classic art scrolls with surreal and eerie detail.
Behavior & Myths
- Witnessing the parade without spiritual protection may result in madness or death.
- Some monks and shamans are said to be able to repel it using sacred texts or charms.
- The parade may appear on certain nights of spiritual imbalance or lunar events.
Symbolism
- Symbolizes the hidden chaos beneath order in the human world.
- Reflects cultural fear of the unknown and the supernatural.
- Celebrated in some modern festivals and anime as a tribute to yokai lore.
