Japanese meaning of 百鬼夜行
Reading:
ひゃっきやこう (hyakki yakou)
English Translation:
Night parade of one hundred demons (supernatural beings)
Meaning & Cultural Context
Meaning:
A folkloric procession of yōkai (demons/spirits); by extension, chaotic nocturnal lawlessness.
Cultural Context:
Echoes Edo-period picture scrolls and modern pop culture; used metaphorically for disorderly crowds or scandal sprees.
妖怪が群れ歩く夜の行列。転じて、無秩序・無法が横行する夜の有様。
江戸の絵巻・現代ポップカルチャーに通じる比喩。雑踏の混乱や不祥事の連鎖をなぞらえる。
Grammar & Learning Points
Grammar Point
• Noun phrase often used as-is to describe a chaotic scene like a parade of strange beings (“まるで百鬼夜行のような祭り”).
• Originates from folklore, depicting supernatural beings roaming at night.
Trap for English Speakers
Might be taken as a literal ghost parade, but often metaphorical for disorder or chaos.
Example
Basic Example
百鬼夜行のような奇妙な夢を見た。
I had a strange dream like a night parade of one hundred demons.
Applied Example
夏祭りの夜、提灯の灯りの中を百鬼夜行が練り歩く夢を見た。
On a summer festival night, I dreamed of a night parade of one hundred demons marching under the glow of lanterns.