Yōkai are typically described as having spiritual or supernatural abilities, with shapeshifting being the most common trait associated with them. Some yōkai resemble inanimate objects (such as the tsukumogami), while others have no discernible shape. Yōkai often have animal features (such as the kappa, depicted as appearing similar to a turtle, and the tengu, commonly depicted with wings), but may also appear humanoid in appearance, such as the kuchisake-onna. The nearest or equivalent definition for yōkai in Western world should be ' spectre/specter'.
Yokai are not literally demons in the Western sense of the word, but are instead spirits and entities, whose behaviour can range from malevolent or mischievous to friendly, fortuitous, or helpful to humans. The word 'yōkai' is composed of the kanji for 'attractive calamity' and 'apparition mystery suspicious.' Yōkai are also referred to as ayakashi ( あやかし), mononoke ( 物の怪) or mamono ( 魔物). Yōkai ( 妖怪, 'strange apparition') are a class of supernatural entities and spirits in Japanese folklore.
