Mythology / oni-in-japanese-folklore
Facts about Oni in Japanese Folklore
- 05
Ancient Japanese belief placed oni as rulers of Jigoku, the Buddhist underworld, where they punish sinners according to their earthly misdeeds.
- 04
The color red is traditionally associated with oni, and their characteristic red or blue skin tone helps distinguish different types within Japanese folklore.
- 03
Fearsome yet sometimes protective, oni serve as guardians at certain Japanese temples and shrines, where their images ward off evil spirits.
- 02
In the Setsubun festival celebrated each February, Japanese people throw roasted soybeans to drive away oni, shouting 'Oni wa soto, fuku wa uchi' meaning 'Demons out, fortune in.
- 01
Oni are depicted in Japanese folklore as fearsome demons with horns, wild hair, and iron clubs called kanabō.