How do ayakashi influence Japanese horror stories?

Answer 1

Ayakashi bring an element of the supernatural. Their strange forms and powers make the stories scarier. For example, an ayakashi like the tengu with its bird - like features and magical abilities can create a sense of the unknown.

Answer 2

In Japanese horror stories, ayakashi are often the main source of horror. Their existence challenges the normal order of things. They can possess people, change their forms, and create chaos. For instance, the mermaid - like ningyo in some stories is not the cute and friendly creature we might think of. Instead, it can bring disasters if not treated properly. The ayakashi force the characters in the stories, and by extension the readers or viewers, to face the unknown and the terrifying aspects of the supernatural world, which is a key aspect of horror.

Answer 3

Ayakashi play a big role in Japanese horror stories. They often represent the fears and taboos of the Japanese culture. The way they interact with humans, whether it's the ayakashi luring humans to their doom like the kuchisake - onna (the slit - mouthed woman) or the more subtle ways of causing unease, gives depth to the horror. They also have a long history in Japanese folklore, so they bring a sense of tradition and authenticity to the horror stories. This connection to the past makes the horror feel more rooted and real, and thus more terrifying.