Toriyama Sekien: The Founding Father of Yokai Art

Toriyama Sekien was an artist who flourished in the mid-Edo period and is especially important as the “founder of yokai art.” Without him, it’s possible that later figures like Shigeru Mizuki and the modern image of yokai might never have emerged—his influence on later generations was immense.

 

Before Sekien, yokai appeared in works like the “Hyakki Yagyo Emaki” (Night Parade of One Hundred Demons scrolls), but their names and characteristics were often unclear, making them difficult for ordinary people to understand. Toriyama Sekien published illustrated collections such as “Gazu Hyakki Yagyo,” giving each yokai a name and detailed explanation, organizing them in a style similar to an encyclopedia. This allowed people to recognize yokai as individual characters, spreading knowledge and imagery of yokai among the general public.

 

Sekien’s yokai art was not focused on fear or brutality, but rather had a humorous and approachable style. As a result, he greatly influenced Edo period popular culture, illustrated books, and ukiyo-e. Famous artists who followed, such as Katsushika Hokusai, Takai Kōzan and Utagawa Kuniyoshi, were also inspired by Sekien and began to draw yokai.

 

Additionally, Sekien trained many disciples, including Kitagawa Utamaro, Koikawa Harumachi, and Utagawa Toyoharu, contributing to the development of ukiyo-e and popular literature.

 

In the modern era, Japanese perceptions of yokai have been largely shaped by Shigeru Mizuki’s works. Mizuki himself drew much inspiration from Sekien’s yokai illustrations, and their influence is evident in works such as “GeGeGe no Kitaro.”

 

In summary, Toriyama Sekien:

  • Organized yokai in an encyclopedia format, clarifying their names and characteristics

  • Spread yokai culture and increased public literacy through his art

  • Trained many disciples and contributed to the development of ukiyo-e and popular literature

  • Had a decisive influence on later yokai culture and imagery, including that of Shigeru Mizuki

 

He is truly the “leading figure in the yokai art boom.”