Want to get rid of that strange woman who's been watching you sleep at night, the one whose feet aren't touching the ground? Hiroko Yoda and Matt Alt may have just the help you need in their recently published little encyclopedia, "Yurei Attack! The Japanese Ghost Survival Guide."
The authors offer deep insight into yurei, figures in Japanese folklore who died under savage circumstances and who are now doomed to seek revenge until someone gives them proper funeral rites. The book also tells you why there is (probably) no need to be afraid. In addition to a biographical fact sheet and background story for each yurei, the book details how every one executes its attack and, more importantly, how to survive an encounter should you have the misfortune — or fortune, depending on your tastes in adventure — of meeting with an impassioned Japanese spirit. Already being haunted? This book may just be your saving grace.
Embellished with dozens of colorful illustrations, the guide not only embodies information on 39 unfriendly and vicious Japanese specters but discusses haunted places in Japan and the occult games one may play if trying to invoke a demon. For what, we don't know, and we're not going to ask — though if you do attempt these games we won't be expecting to hear from you anytime soon.
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