Japanese Yokai: Oni

In our continuing exploration of yokai, the mysterious creatures from Japanese mythology, today we’re diving into one of the most iconic and fearsome figures: the Oni. Unlike the mischievous kappa or mysterious tengu we’ve discussed before, oni are all about raw power and destruction.

We've talked about Kappa already, read the article here.

(Image from Wikipedia)

What is an Oni?

When you think of an oni, picture a towering, ogre-like monster with wild hair, sharp fangs, and sometimes multiple horns. They often carry massive clubs, called kanabō, and are usually depicted with red, blue, or green skin. They're the ultimate symbol of evil and chaos in Japanese stories, often compared to demons or ogres in Western mythology.

Oni are typically seen as destructive beings. They are commonly associated with mountains and are believed to live in remote, dangerous places, like caves or other unreachable spots.

The Kanji Breakdown: 鬼 (Oni)

The kanji for oni is 鬼, which literally translates to “demon” or “ogre.” It’s a simple, striking character, and its use in language emphasizes fear and negativity. For example, calling someone an "oni" means they are as terrifying or ruthless as the mythical creature itself.

In daily life, you might hear someone use the phrase 「鬼のように働く」 (oni no yō ni hataraku), which means to "work like an oni" or to work extremely hard, like a demon possessed. It's a way of saying someone is working tirelessly or intensely, though without the evil aspect!

Oni in Folklore

Oni first appeared in Japanese literature as early as the 8th century, often linked to evil deeds and natural disasters. They became popularized during the Heian Period (794-1185) and often featured in stories about hell (Jigoku), where oni would serve as the torturers of wicked souls.

Oni in Japanese Culture Today

Though oni are feared in folklore, they also play a key role in Japanese festivals and cultural events. One of the most popular is Setsubun, which marks the changing of seasons in early February. During this festival, people throw roasted soybeans out their doors while chanting 「鬼は外！福は内！」 ("Oni wa soto! Fuku wa uchi!" – "Demons out, good fortune in!"). This ritual is meant to drive away bad spirits and bring in good luck for the coming year. Children often wear oni masks during Setsubun, adding a playful element to an otherwise serious tradition.

Oni in Modern Media

Oni continues to be prominent figures in Japanese media, from anime and manga to video games. One of the most well-known appearances of oni is in the manga and anime Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba, where the main antagonists are demons (oni) who terrorize humans. These oni have supernatural abilities, which makes them formidable enemies for the protagonists.

Another example is in the classic anime Yu Yu Hakusho, where oni characters act as gatekeepers to the spirit world. Even in video games like Onimusha or Nioh, oni are depicted as fearsome opponents that players must battle against, drawing from their traditional reputation as nearly unbeatable monsters.

Your Sensei,
Hikari 👩🏻‍🏫