Demons and Deities: Supernatural Beings of Japanese Folklore
Dive into the mysterious world of Japanese folklore to uncover the truth behind the kami (deities) and yо̄kai (monsters). Explore their history, symbolism, and lasting influence on modern media, from Studio Ghibli films to popular anime and
Mr. Kelsey P. ケルシー先生
Average rating:
4.9
Number of reviews:(373)
What's included
3 live meetings
3 hrs 45 mins in-class hoursProjects
1-2 hours per week. Learners will be invited to choose a kami or yо̄kai to research, creating a brief presentation (visuals encouraged but optional) to share in the final session. Presentations will highlight the being’s origin, traits, and significance.Certificate of Completion
Learners may request a Certificate of Completion at the end of the course to acknowledge their participation and understanding of the material.Class Experience
Beginner - Intermediate Level
Ever wondered why Japan is known as the land of 8 million deities? In this three-day exploration of Japanese mythology and folklore, we’ll uncover the hauntingly beautiful tales of kami (deities) and yо̄kai (monsters). Through guided discussions, interactive storytelling, and visual examples from anime, films, and games, we’ll connect ancient myths to their enduring influence on pop culture, from Studio Ghibli films (such as Spirited Away and Princess Mononoke) to popular anime series and games (e.g., Yokai Watch, Animal Crossing, and Genshin Impact). We will deep dive together into the strange, unnerving, brutal, and sometimes even grotesque nature of Japanese monsters, ghouls, and gods, as well as learn how kami and yо̄kai symbolize deeper values in Japanese society, from their creation myths to the categories of yо̄kai like the mischievous kitsune and the vengeful "onryo." In addition to an in-depth look at the connections between Japanese kami and yokai, we will aim to grasp an overarching picture of Japanese religion and mythology at large, what it looked like then and how it looks now. Learners will also be invited to research a specific kami or yо̄kai that fascinates them, culminating in a short, fun presentation on Day 3. This collaborative and immersive experience is perfect for anime fans, mythology buffs, or anyone curious about the supernatural side of Japan. NOTE: A minimum of four (4) students must be enrolled for this class to be held as scheduled. Students who wish to remain enrolled even in the case of there not being a sufficient number of enrollees will be transferred to the next available scheduled day and time of the same class unless otherwise requested. Still got questions? Feel free to contact me for more information!
Learning Goals
Understand the cultural significance of kami and yо̄kai in Japanese history and religion.Identify and categorize different types of yо̄kai and their stories.
Syllabus
3 Lessons
over 3 WeeksLesson 1:
Birth of Kami
Start with Japan’s creation myth and the proliferation of kami. We’ll explore the concept of souls, the aesthetic of kami, and their role in shaping Japanese spirituality. 75 mins online live lesson
Lesson 2:
World of Yо̄kai
Delve into the eerie world of yо̄kai. Learn about their origins, the categories they fall into, and five significant yо̄kai stories that continue to captivate imaginations. 75 mins online live lesson
Lesson 3:
Legends Reimagined
Learners present their research on a chosen kami or yо̄kai and discuss their modern-day depictions in anime, games, and films like Princess Mononoke and Animal Crossing. 75 mins online live lesson
Other Details
Parental Guidance
Yokai come in all shapes, sizes, and temperaments. Some are seemingly benign enough but others can be fairly spooky or even downright gruesome. Tales and descriptions of carnage, death, revenge, and the like will occasionally be touched on and shown in archaic illustrations (e.g. scroll paintings from premodern Japan).
Parents concerned about such elements are welcome to reach out to me ahead of time for details or simply be prepared to discuss the material with their learner after meetings.
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Sources
- Keys to the Japanese Heart and Soul 『英語で話す「日本の心」』 by Kodansha
- A Treasury of Japanese Folktales by Yuri Yasuda
- The Book of Japanese Folklore by Thersa Matsuura
Joined February, 2019
4.9
373reviews
Teacher expertise and credentials
Colorado Teaching Certificate in Mathematics
Bachelor's Degree from Gustavus Adolphus College
At a Glance:
+ Magna cum laude graduate in philosophy with honors and concentrations in Japanese studies and religion
+ 2nd Level JLPT (Japanese Language Proficiency Test) certification-holder (note: JLPT 5th level is the lowest and 1st is the highest (also now denoted "N5" through "N1")
+ Member of the 2007 International Scholar Laureate Program Delegation on Diplomacy & International Relations in the People's Republic of China
+ Teacher and tutor to over 1000 foreign language students on Outschool and elsewhere
Details:
Kelsey studied Japanese language, culture, history, and economics both at home (Gustavus Adolphus College in Minnesota) and a year abroad (Kansai Gaidai University in Osaka, Japan). He returned to Japan after graduating to live for another three years in Kagawa prefecture, Shikoku, where he worked in language instruction and Japanese-English translation. He attained certification in the 2nd highest level of the internationally recognized Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) less than three years into his Japanese studies.
Kelsey's teaching experience in language instruction (where he often implements the Natural Approach and TPR) continues to this day in private lessons for both children and adults in various subjects including Japanese language learning and JLPT test prep. For Japanese, this includes literacy in kanji and the language's other character sets, as well as comprehension and production in both informal and business-level conversation.
Regarding the JLPT specifically, Kelsey's tutoring methods involve a top-down approach to deconstructing, studying for, and tackling the JLPT for those students looking to take their Japanese to the next level and even get this important certification that can land them a job abroad. Feel free to contact him for more information about the JLPT and suggestions on whether or not it may be right for your learner's language goals.Reviews
Live Group Class
$24
weekly or $72 for 3 classes1x per week, 3 weeks
75 min
Completed by 13 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 11-16
4-8 learners per class
