The Yokai King

Lore & Background

The Yokai King is an American 13-episode television miniseries created by Mark Hattori. It is based on the supernatural beings called yōkai from Japanese folklore. The series was mainly filmed in various locations of Okinawa, Japan in 2014. The plot centers on Ippei, played by Shin Koyamada, who was found by his foster father in a coconut shell on a beach. Although raised as a normal boy, Ippei could see nature’s spirits, including kijimuna, invisible to human eyes. Like many legendary heroes, he was initially unaware of his supernatural talents and destiny. The cast includes Lisa Nakama as Kana, Saki as Osaki, Kirk Dixon as Nyarl, TJ Kayama as Shuten-dōji, Nicholas Rush as Shachi, Kiki Sukezane as Nuko, Vanessa Pan as Gyuki, Kingoro Torajima as Tengu, Daisuke Onaga as Takeshi, Kyoko Fukushi as Hahti, Chesuka Hentona as Young Ippei, and Kougi Inoue as Awati. Production was announced on November 11, 2013, by Okinawa Entertainment Studio at the media room of the Okinawa Prefecture Government in Naha, Okinawa, Japan. The majority of the series was shot on Red Epic cameras.

Reader's Guide

The Yokai King represents a cross-cultural production that brings Japanese folklore to an American television format. Created by Mark Hattori, the miniseries adapts the rich tradition of yōkai—supernatural beings ranging from demons to heroes—into a 13-episode narrative. Filmed entirely in Okinawa, Japan in 2014, the series uses local locations to ground its fantastical story in a real Japanese setting. The plot follows Ippei, a foundling with the ability to see spirits invisible to others, echoing classic hero myths. The production was announced in November 2013 by Okinawa Entertainment Studio, highlighting a collaboration between American and Japanese talent. The series features a diverse cast, including Shin Koyamada in the lead role. While the miniseries did not achieve widespread mainstream recognition, it stands as a notable example of early 2010s efforts to blend Western television production with authentic Japanese cultural elements. Its legacy lies in its attempt to introduce yōkai lore to a global audience through a serialized format, filmed on location with Red Epic cameras.

Did You Know?

• The series was announced on November 11, 2013, at the Okinawa Prefecture Government media room.
• It was filmed in various cities in Okinawa, Japan, using Red Epic cameras.
• The lead character Ippei was found by his foster father in a coconut shell on a beach.
• The cast includes Shin Koyamada, Lisa Nakama, and Kiki Sukezane.