Direct link: https://gamefaqs.gamespot.com/wii/943732-okami/faqs/47486

Some of the timed minigames can be a little stressful if you don’t know about the little quirks and tricks to make them easier, like drawing a circle around the NPC to make then run faster or slashing them to make them turn around - and the game does a bad job of explaining these. You’re expected to find that out on your own … or read a guide about it ;)