Had a kinda weird thought cross my mind. To us more western based audience, our general very loose frame of reference of how darkners essentially work is kinda Toy Story logic (at least in terms of chapter 1) with objects coming to life

However, I kinda realized that looking more into Japanese culture, which does have some influence on Toby Fox's work....I kinda notice that the Yokai known as Tsukumogami actually pretty much parallel the entire concept of Darkners VERY directly in many ways

Tsukumogami as a Yokai species are essentially born from strong emotional ties to certain objects when that object reaches an old enough age, and generally HOW the Tsukumogami turn out depends heavily on how the people treat them in life. Generally if they are treated well and strongly cared for, they become much more benevolent when they come to life and are generally free to life their life on their own.

However, if they are treated awfully or just generally forgotten, most might become dangerous and vengefull towards those who have forgotten them

NOW WHERE DOES THAT SOUND FAMILIAR

On top of that, Tsukumogami aren't JUST an object being randomy alive, a LOT like darkners, the Tsukumogami actually form mostly distinct appearances based on they object they take after, even developing traits such as arms, legs, and even faces that are built AROUND the object they are and embody.

On top of that, most Yokai in general are meant to embody several different phenomena in nature or general ideas, which could also be a point of discussion.

I would love for us to discuss this topic a lot more and expand on it, maybe even spread more word of this idea to people, cuz I find it facinating, see if the dark worlds might have MORE connections to Yokai somehow

Tsukumogami Yokai and their Parallel to the existence of Darkners