What Are Yokai? Japanese Folklore in Fashion

If you've spent any time exploring our collections, you've probably noticed a recurring theme: Yokai.

From Kappas and Nekomatas to Mokumoku Ren and Kuchisake-onna, many of our garments are inspired by these mysterious creatures from Japanese folklore. But what exactly are Yokai, and why do they play such an important role in our work?

Today, we thought we'd take you behind the inspiration that shaped our debut collection and share why these fascinating beings continue to captivate us.

What Are Yokai?

The word Yokai (妖怪) can be translated as "strange apparition," "mysterious spirit," or "supernatural creature." They occupy a unique place in Japanese folklore, existing somewhere between spirits, monsters, gods, and everyday beings.

Unlike the creatures found in many Western legends, Yokai are not always evil. Some are mischievous, some are protective, some are terrifying, and others are simply strange. They inhabit forests, rivers, mountains, abandoned houses, and sometimes even ordinary objects.

For centuries, stories of Yokai have been passed down through generations, becoming an essential part of Japanese culture and storytelling.

Why We Were Drawn to Yokai

What fascinated us most about Yokai is their complexity.

They are rarely just "good" or "bad." Instead, they reflect human emotions, fears, desires, and curiosity about the unknown. Many Yokai stories emerged as explanations for natural phenomena or as lessons about respecting nature and the world around us.

As designers, we found endless inspiration in these creatures. Their unusual forms, symbolic meanings, and visual richness offered an opportunity to create garments that felt both contemporary and rooted in tradition.

More importantly, they allowed us to tell stories through clothing.

Turning Folklore into Fashion

When designing our collection, we didn't want to simply print illustrations onto garments and call it a day. Instead, we explored how each Yokai could influence different aspects of a design.

Sometimes the inspiration appears through color palettes. Other times it emerges through silhouettes, textures, prints, or small details hidden within a garment.

For example, the green tones found in some pieces were inspired by the Kappa, a water-dwelling Yokai associated with rivers and swamps. Other designs incorporate original illustrations, while some reference specific characteristics of a creature through shape and construction.

Our goal was to create clothing that felt as though it carried a story—pieces that could spark curiosity and invite people to learn more about the folklore behind them.

Tradition Meets Contemporary Design

Japanese culture has always been a major source of inspiration for us, not only because of its folklore but also because of its craftsmanship, aesthetics, and approach to design.

Throughout the collection, we combined elements inspired by traditional Japanese garments with contemporary tailoring and streetwear influences. Oversized silhouettes, wide sleeves, draping, and layering all play a role in creating a dialogue between past and present.

The result is a collection that doesn't seek to recreate historical clothing, but rather reinterpret cultural influences through a modern lens.

More Than Just Monsters

One thing we love about Yokai is that they remind us there is still room for wonder in everyday life.

In a world that often feels focused on practicality and routine, folklore encourages us to imagine what might exist just beyond what we can see. It invites us to pay attention to the unusual, the mysterious, and the stories hidden in ordinary places.

That sense of wonder is something we try to bring into our work.

Whether someone discovers the meaning behind a garment immediately or only later, we hope each piece sparks a little curiosity and encourages people to explore the rich world of Japanese folklore for themselves.

A World of Stories

This collection is only the beginning of our journey into the world of Yokai.

There are hundreds of creatures, legends, and stories waiting to be explored, each offering new ideas and possibilities for future creations.

For us, fashion is more than clothing—it's storytelling. And Yokai have given us an endless source of stories to tell.

Thank you for joining us on this journey, and we hope you'll continue exploring this fascinating world with us, one garment and one legend at a time.