Japan: 'Watanabe Tsuna Fighting the Demon at Rashomon', woodblock print by Utagawa Kuniyoshi (1798-1861), 19th century

Ibaraki-doji was an oni (demon / ogre) in Japanese tales and legends from the Heian Era. The demon was known to go on murderous rampages throughout the countryside and across Kyoto. She would also fool innocent travellers and kill them, wearing various disguises to lure them in.

Once, she tried to kill the legendary samurai Watanabe no Tsuna as he was travelling, appearing as a beautiful maiden who needed help. When Tsuna approached, the girl transformed into an oni and grabbed him by his hair, flying through the air to Mount Atago. Tsuna, not panicking, easily cut off the demon's arm however, causing Ibaraki-doji to flee. Tsuna took the arm back as a trophy to his estate.

Seven days later, Tsuna was visited by his aunt Mashiba, and when he told her of his ordeal with the oni, she asked to see the severed arm. When Tsuna complied and brought it out, Mashiba suddenly transformed into Ibaraki-doji, who grabbed the arm and then flew away. So shocked was Tsuna that he did not try to stop the demon.

Copyright:

Supplier: CPA Media Co. Ltd.

Credit:

Pictures From History