Monstrum: Fire Cat or Fire Cart? The History of Japan’s Kasha
Swooping down from the heavens on a fire ball, the Kasha drags the bodies of the dead to the underworld for a life of damnation. Most frequently depicted as a demonic, flaming cat, the kanji for "Kasha" actually translates to “Fire Cart." So why did this malevolent yokai take on a feline appearance? Featuring the author of numerous yokai books, Hiroko Yoda, this episode explores the religious and artistic history of the Kasha and takes a look at the significant role of cats in Japanese culture. Part of the "Monstrum" series.
Media Details
Runtime: 12 minutes 47 seconds
- Topic: Arts, Geography, Literature
- Subtopic: Folklore, Japan, Storytelling
- Grade/Interest Level: 9 - 12
- Standards:
- Release Year: 2021
- Producer/Distributor: PBS Digital Studios
- Series: Monstrum
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