Monsters throughout history have always been framed as the ‘other’ – they look completely different from the norm, misunderstood, and therefore scary. At the same time, they’re the subject of endless fascination.
![](https://i0.wp.com/observatory.sg/app/uploads/Yokai_099.jpg?resize=1280%2C1600&ssl=1)
Many personal conversations between Minhua and I revolve around what we feel is a burgeoning, progressive aesthetic in Asian beauty and fashion. A growing movement that has yet to be fully embraced. So it made sense to celebrate the spooky season through that lens.
![](https://i0.wp.com/observatory.sg/app/uploads/Yokai_453.jpg?resize=1280%2C1600&ssl=1)
Also, we both miss traveling to Japan. So this is our take on the Kappa, a popular type of yōkai (Japanese apparition).
![](https://i0.wp.com/observatory.sg/app/uploads/Yokai_543.jpg?resize=1280%2C1600&ssl=1)
It usually takes some time for me to think about makeup looks on personal projects. But the idea for this came pretty much immediately. I knew we had to do some sort of body painting inspired by Japanese forests, ukiyo-e prints, and the Kappa itself.
![](https://i0.wp.com/observatory.sg/app/uploads/Yokai_578.jpg?resize=1280%2C1600&ssl=1)
We also had to decide whether the Kappa’s trademark water bubble and the set would be rendered in post-production. But in the spirit of practical FX artists in the past, it felt right to make it happen for real. It also was a good chance to challenge ourselves.
![](https://i0.wp.com/observatory.sg/app/uploads/Yokai_737.jpg?resize=1280%2C1600&ssl=1)
Our resourceful stylist, Isabella, also wanted to reflect the Kappa’s amphibian roots in the clothes. So she paired a pair of Bottega Venetta SS21 Bouclé pants with scuba fins that she hand-painted.
And finally, special thanks to our model Jesper for lending us his body as a canvas.
Happy Halloween!