For August this year, we're spending the entire month exploring the spooky side of Japan! In this first leg of the journey, we kick things off with an exploration of the sometimes terrifying, sometimes wacky, sometimes cuddly (?) supernatural creatures known as yōkai, complete with eldritch Nicktoons, a She's All That-style makeover with the Slit-Mouthed Woman, and weasels with frickin' knives attached to their paws. From there we trace some connections between all those crazy critters and Japan's king of creepy comics, Junji Ito! So hold on to your head, and- oh, watch your step there. The wooden spirit had her way with that patch of floor you're standing on and we haven't had a chance to hose it down yet.

Want to learn more about yōkai and read the book we recommended? Check out