In times when there were no large lighting appliances, people sensed some sort of presence lurking within the vast darkness that spread across the night, keeping all from venturing into its world. At the same time, while living in harmony with nature, the people felt its mysterious powers, which appeared to transcend all human intellect and knowledge. It is thought that the culmination of these experiences eventually formed the backdrop that led to the creation of the yokai. More here: 【展讯】志怪奇谭:阅不尽的日本绘卷|北京 (qq.com)