A Japanese folklorist performs a ritual under a torii gate, surrounded by glowing spirits in a dark forest.

A Japanese folklorist in traditional scholarly robes kneels under a weathered torii gate deep in an ancient forest at night, surrounded by scrolls, spirit charms, and ritual tools. She performs a forbidden summoning spell—an unstable, glowing arcane sigil hovers above her palm, formed from burning kanji. Ethereal spirits swirl around her, some whispering, some distorted and screaming. A massive, shadowy yokai spirit looms in the mist behind her, its form barely visible. The sky above twists See more