US artist drawn into mystery of yokaiーNHK WORLD-JAPAN NEWS

Key Concepts

• Yokai: Supernatural beings or monsters in Japanese folklore, born from nature reverence and the fear of the unknown.
• Ukiyo-e: A genre of Japanese art (woodblock prints and paintings) that flourished from the 17th through 19th centuries.
• Animism: The belief that objects, places, and creatures all possess a distinct spiritual essence.
• Fukui Prefecture: The region in Japan where artist Matthew Meyer resides and researches local legends.

The Artistic Philosophy of Matthew Meyer

Matthew Meyer, a 43-year-old American artist based in Fukui, Japan, has dedicated his career to illustrating yokai. Meyer argues that yokai are not merely frightening monsters; they are complex cultural artifacts that can be humorous, charming, and educational. His primary objective is to preserve Japanese history and folklore by bridging the gap between ancient myths and modern audiences.

Artistic Methodology and Technique

Meyer’s work is heavily influenced by the ukiyo-e style of the Edo period. His technical process involves:

• Hybrid Creation: He utilizes a combination of hand-drawing and digital techniques to achieve depth.
• Layered Shading: By layering colors, he mimics the aesthetic of traditional woodblock printing.
• Historical Authenticity: Meyer strictly uses a color palette rooted in Japanese history to evoke the specific atmosphere of the era when yokai culture was at its peak.
• Contextual Accuracy: When illustrating local legends, Meyer conducts field research—often accompanied by historians—to ensure the architectural and geographical settings in his art match the historical locations where the myths originated.

Case Studies in Folklore Illustration

Meyer’s work serves as a visual archive for local legends:

• The Toilet Otter: Investigating a 19th-century samurai residence in Fukui, Meyer researched a myth involving a hairy hand emerging from a toilet to touch a person. He recreated this scene with meticulous attention to the historical setting of the residence.
• The Nine-Headed Dragon: Meyer illustrated this legend, which is tied to a sacred mountain, focusing on the interplay between the grandeur of the dragon and the natural beauty of the water.
• The Giant Monk: In a depiction of a giant monk setting a castle town ablaze, Meyer focused on technical detail to render the fire realistically, emphasizing the scale and drama of the folklore.

Cultural Significance and Perspectives

Meyer’s interest in Japanese culture began with anime and manga, but deepened during his time in Kanazawa City, where he encountered the beauty of ukiyo-e. He views his work as a form of cultural preservation. As he notes, "I want to include historical details... History lives in those images. I want to preserve it."

He posits that yokai are deeply connected to Japan’s history of animism, where unexplained natural phenomena were personified as spirits. By documenting these stories, he hopes to prevent this "incredible culture" from being lost to time.

Conclusion and Future Outlook

Matthew Meyer has successfully transitioned from an enthusiast of Japanese media to a recognized illustrator of folklore. His work is characterized by a rigorous commitment to historical accuracy and a deep respect for the ukiyo-e tradition. His ongoing project involves documenting the specific, strange folklore of his home region in Fukui, ensuring that these local myths are preserved for a global audience.