Dating back to the 17th century, yokai have long been an integral part of Japanese folklore and literature. Consequently, these creatures have gone on to inspire many manga creators into creating series based around the monsters. Since yokai come in all forms, from cute to horrific, they can be placed into many different genres with certain monsters a perfect match for some series. For example, popular series Inuyasha incorporated lore of such creatures as the Nine-Tailed Fox (Kitsune) into the manga/anime.
The popularity of these creatures is undeniable, and they pop up in many series. As a result, this list does not serve to capture any manga that the elusive characters may appear in, referenced, or inspired by. Instead, the goal is to present highly rated titles that feature the monsters front and center for a bulk of the narrative.
10 GeGeGe No Kitarou By Shigeru Mizuki (Rating 7.3)
Straddling the world between human and the spirit realm, GeGeGe no Kitarou follows Kitarou's daily struggles as a denizen of both worlds. This insanely popular series, now released by drawn and quarterly, has been adapted multiple times in both animated and live-action form, marking it one of the most popular series ever created.
It is hard not to mention Mizuki's manga in a list like this since it is arguable that a lot of creators would not have found success if not for the world and characters that were created in the series. Consequently, you can see these monsters pop up everywhere in Japanese culture in the style coined by the mangaka. With so many interesting takes on this classic monster in anime and manga, Mizuki's creations are bound to withstand the test of time.
9 Takeo-Chan Bukkairoku By Minoru Toyoda (Rating 7.42)
Takeo-chan Bukkairoku follows the trial of the "most unfortunate girl in the Universe," Takeo. Tasked with keeping order in the inn called Hyakkisoo (the manor of 100 demons), the young girl's life gets turned upside-down in her dealing with various yokai.
Working in a style reminiscent of Scott Pilgrim, this mangaka crafts a "feel-good" slice of life drama highlighted by playful creatures. A strong narrative approach with detail to character development has made this a hidden gem of a series that just sneaks into the list.
8 A Terrified Teacher At Ghoul School By Mai Tanaka (Rating 7.56)
The stand-out comedy manga from Yen Press follows sensitive teacher Abe Haruaki as he cautiously takes on a new position. However, he finds out that he is now in charge of a classroom full of rambunctious monsters who enjoy making him squirm.
A fun cast of characters that seem to play off of the teacher's insecurities creates a consistent comedic charm. Furthermore, in the managaka, Mai Tanaka manages to make both the teacher and yokai personable, adding much-needed depth to it. The mix of comedy and drama certainly has won over a dedicated fanbase, landing it on this list.
7 Elegant Yokai Apartment Life By Waka Miyama And Hinoawa Kouzuki (Rating 7.61)
Coming from a rather tragic background, a young student named Inaba Yuushi finally finds a place to live at a decent price for a struggling student. Unfortunately for Yuushi, he unknowingly moved into a monster house, consisting of various ghosts, monsters, and an eccentric young female exorcist.
Elegant Yokai Apartment Life, published through Kodansha Comics in English, offers a well-rounded slice of life series that has been running since 2011. Nice comedic touches and strong protagonists mark this as a worthy addition on the list.
6 Mononoke By Yaeko Ninagawa (Rating 7.7)
A medicine seller travels across Edo period Japan with the intent to hunt demons plaguing people. However, in order to slay the beasts, the man must learn their origins and the tragedy that befell them and turned them into malicious spirits.
Complemented by a unique visual design that would go on to inspire the cult hit anime of the same name, Mononoke balances beauty with horror in a unique form. The encounters with the ghastly creatures get an added layer of mystery in the medicine seller's interactions with people, which shows the selfishness of people in perilous times that cause yokai to attack.
5 Ayakashi Ko By Hijiki (Rating 7.81)
It was kind of inevitable that a list focusing on yokai would offer up at least one fluffy slice of life manga for readers to unwind to. Ayakashi Ko certainly fits the bill more so than even the other slice of life manga on this list, offering episodic chapters for the reader to delve into at their leisure.
This charming manga that can be enjoyed either in bite-sized chunks or to binge read grants it a decent score over at MyAnimeList.
4 Nura: Rise Of The Yokai Clan By Hiroshi Shiibashi 8.02
A young boy named Rikou, who is given the chance to become the leader of the yokai, hesitates to take on the throne after hearing of some of the creatures' darker deeds. However, during the night, Rikuo undergoes a transformation into a fearsome yokai. With his newfound power, he decides to take on the mantle.
Offering an in-depth look at the lore behind the various creatures, and an epic battle for the fate of humanity, Nura: Rise of the Yokai exists as one of the most recognizable modern series focused on the bizarre creatures.
3 Gantz By Oku Hiroya (Rating 8.16)
Compared to the rest of the list, Gantz is the only manga that is horrific and gruesome. Following an elite team tasked to fight various monsters, the otherwise adores creatures turn into killing machines bent on ending humanity.
With some strong narrative shifts as to the origin of the never-ending battle, it is hard to say this manga is strictly about the monsters the team has to face. However, it offers a reminder that the creatures, who are now often adored in most series, were once the subject of horror and cautionary tails. Mixing up the formula from the current trend on yokai related works, Gantz has certainly found a dedicated fanbase reflected in a high score for the manga.
2 The Morose Mononokean By Kiri Wazawa (Rating 8.24)
Saving the cute fluffy demon Moja, student Hanae Aeshiya doesn't realize his gesture bonded him with the adorable fluffball until he finds himself drained of energy and in the nurse's office. In his quest to separate himself from the creature, Hanae comes across a flyer that offers exorcism, which introduces him to the world of the supernatural through the exorcist Abeno.
Having an adorable mascot in Moja, or Fluffy, certainly did not hurt the popularity of this series. However, the odd duo of Hanae and Abeno having to navigate the world of demons makes for a memorable narrative. Add in a subtle dose of comedy from the beloved fluffball, and you have one of the best-received mangas centered around yokai.
1 Natsume's Book Of Friends By Yuki Midorikawa (Rating 8.73)
15-year-old Takashi Natsume has the unique gift to see yokai. Unfortunately for him, Takashi also received a book as a gift that contained contracts to various creatures, and all of them want to be released from their bond. With some being malicious, and others being sincere, Takashi must work with his feline familiar Madara to calm the demons in the "Book of Friends."
Worthy of a spot among the best cats in anime or manga, Madara makes the perfect companion for Takashi. However, the real strength in the manga lies in its calm approach to the subject matter, offering atmospheric tales of redemption, curses, and personal growth. This touching series from Viz Media is a standout series, this deserving of the top spot on this list.