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Social Yokai

Designing various types of yokai that mirror contemporary societal phenomena, prompting people to actively reflect on modern social issues.

Background

Yokai, also known as demons, spirits, or simply as “yō,” refer to supernatural beings transformed from plants or animals. In most works, yokai are portrayed negatively; however, by the late Ming Dynasty, some yokai began to exhibit more human-like qualities. By the early Qing Dynasty, a clearer distinction between good and evil yokai emerged. This shift was partly due to the inability to directly criticize societal issues, leading authors to use these figures as allegories for human behavior.

CONCEPT

To raise awareness of certain social issues, I designed "Slot Machine," "Prisoners of Social Media," "Fish Market," and "Golden Statue". Through these distinctive yokai, I hope that society can visualize and pay attention to these problems. Each design is crafted for immediate recognition of the message being conveyed.