Yokai

**Yokai** (妖者, *Yōkai*?, *Literally meaning*: Strange Apparition) are supernatural beings of various species.

## Overview

Yokai originate from the Conceptual World and are intangible to humans due to their dimension, known as the Material World, being non-interactive with their own. They live much longer than humans but are not exempt from growing old. A yokai can only stay alive as long as there are enough humans to believe in their existence, and once this has ceased, they will end up vanishing forever. The only known method to avoid this is for a yokai to become an Ayashimon.

### Appearance

Yokai come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, types, and forms depending on their specific race. In terms of appearance, yokai range from humanoid with abnormal characteristics (such as long necks and extra appendages), animal, a simplistic inanimate object, to completely monstrous. In some instances, a yokai's body may be made entirely out of an inorganic material instead of flesh and/or constantly emit a certain element. The common size of a yokai is about the same as an average human. Yokai who are significantly larger than a human are usually the ones that possess a monstrous form.

### Behaviour

The average yokai is characterized as being whimsical, lazy, and irresponsible, which sums up to them being completely amoral. For example, if a yokai is experiencing enough emotional enjoyment in something, the concept of life and death will even cease to have any meaning to them. The ritual duel mainly applies to this as it is considered the greatest festival a yokai can experience the most joy. After Amamehagi was defeated in a ritual duel by Maruo, the Ayashimon's subordinates were quick to turn on him by praising the human for the amazing fight he showcased and were willing to go so low as to use their former leader's money converted remains to buy drinks in celebration of Maruo's victory. According to Urara, these characteristics are what make yokai suitable for illegitimate work, such as becoming gang members. From Doppo's perspective, fear is considered art to a yokai, which arouses enough enjoyment for him to make horror art out of Ayashimon body parts.

### Diet

Yokai feed on humans but can also live off of the race's foods and drinks.

## Ayashimon

*Main article: Ayashimon*
**Ayashimon** (妖し者, *Ayashimon*?) are yokai who are able to assume a human body through the use of money, allowing them to become connected to the Material World.

## Types of Yokai

* Oni
* Kijin
* Tenjo-sagari
* Oboroguruma
* Wanyudo
* Ittan-momen

## Abilities and Powers

**Inhuman Physical Capabilities**: All yokai possess far superior strength, speed and endurance than the average human, even being capable of injuring superhumans.

**Yojutsu** (妖 (よう) 術 (じゅつ) , *Yōjutsu*?): Yokai are able to use various supernatural powers and techniques that are unique to them.

## Human-Yokai Coexistence

To ensure that humans continue to believe in their existence to survive, yokai roam around areas haunting them and live off of their fear. As with the case of Ozunu, there exist hybrids between humans and yokai known as hanyo.

In Shinjuku Central Park, there is a homeless community comprised of both yokai and humans who live in harmony.

## Trivia

* The yokai race's dependance on humans believing in their existence in order to stay alive is similar to the concept of the tinkerbell effect.