A common term for 'demon' or a similar malevolent supernatural being in Japanese folklore is oni ( 鬼 ).
According to the provided reference, an oni ( 鬼 おに ) is described as a kind of yōkai that falls under categories often translated as demon, orc, ogre, or troll in Japanese folklore.
Understanding Oni ( 鬼 )
Oni are iconic figures in Japanese mythology and culture. While often translated simply as "demon," their characteristics are distinct and they embody various traits depending on the specific legend or depiction.
Characteristics of Oni
Typically, oni are portrayed as large, monstrous creatures with:
- Vivid colors, most commonly red or blue skin.
- One or two horns growing from their heads.
- Sharp claws and fangs.
- Wearing loincloths made of tiger skin ( fundoshi ).
- Carrying a large iron club known as a kanabō ( 金棒 ).
They are generally depicted as bringers of disaster, disease, and misfortune, and are often associated with the realm of hell (地獄, Jigoku).
Oni in Japanese Culture
Oni play a significant role in Japanese folklore, art, and festivals.
- Folklore: They appear in numerous tales, often as adversaries to heroes or symbols of evil.
- Art: Oni are a popular subject in traditional Japanese art, including woodblock prints and theatre masks.
- Festivals: A notable example is the Setsubun (節分) festival, held on the day before the beginning of spring. During Setsubun, people participate in mamemaki (豆撒き), throwing roasted soybeans to symbolically drive away oni and bring good fortune. The phrase often shouted is "Oni wa soto! Fuku wa uchi!" (鬼は外! 福は内!), meaning "Oni out! Fortune in!".
Key Term
Here is a summary of the primary term for 'demon' based on the reference:
| Japanese Term | Kanji | Hiragana | Common Translation(s) in Folklore Context |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oni | 鬼 | おに | Demon, Ogre, Troll, Orc, Yōkai |
It's worth noting that while 'oni' is a primary term often translated as 'demon', the Japanese language has other terms like akuma (悪魔), which specifically refers to a devil or evil spirit, often closer to the Western concept of a demon from Abrahamic traditions. However, within the context of traditional Japanese folklore and as per the provided reference, oni is a central figure described as a type of demon.
