This site is a web media that delivers all kinds of trivia, from sightseeing and gourmet spots in the six Tohoku prefectures to local, customs, and history.
The area became known to the world when it was used as the setting for the novel "Murder in Demon Corpse Village" (published in 1998, written by Yoshimura Tatsuya, published by Kadokawa Haruki Corporation), but it has been attracting attention again in recent years due to the "Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba" boom
We decided to go to Onishigai Village to investigate whether it really existed and what kind of village it was
This time, we will also reveal the origins of unusual place names that are still passed down locally, as well as the true identity of the demon
What is "Oni Shigai Village"?
"Beware of demons and bears" sign
The first thing I saw when I arrived said, "Beware of demons and bears ." The surrounding area is a peaceful rural landscape, and it doesn't seem like the kind of place where demons would appear.
Onishigai Village was the name of a village that actually existed in southern Iwate Prefecture until 1875. The village disappeared due to a merger of municipalities and became the current Mashiba district of Ichinoseki City. Although the name Onishigai is no longer in use, remnants of the name can still be seen on NTT utility poles as the name of the main line.
A utility pole with the words "Oni Shikaga" written on it
Along Prefectural Route 260, Ichinoseki Hiraizumi Line, there was a bus stop with the words "Oni Shigai" (Demon Corpse) written on it
Onishigai Bus Stop
This bus stop was actually in use until 2016, but unfortunately the line has now been abandoned and only the bus stop and bus stop remain
The bus stop is located right next to the "JNR Bus Onishigai Stop .
Onishigai bus stop waiting area
It has taken on a new role as a tourist spot that conveys the history of Onishigai Village. At the time of our visit, an elderly woman who appeared to be a local was taking a break here. Just looking at the name, it seems like a scary stop that no one would approach, but it appears to be a beloved resting spot for locals
What we can learn from the Onishigai Village map
The Ichinoseki City Museum still has a picture of Onishigai Village in its collection. We borrowed this precious image for this article.
A historical drawing of Onishigai Village (owned by Ichinoseki City Museum)
When the village actually existed, its population was around 400 people
In the center of the village is Kashima Shrine, and just to the east is a stone with the inscription "Oniishi." This stone may hold the key to unlocking the village's secrets
Origin of the place name
Why was this area once known by the terrifying name "Oni Shigai Mura" (Demon Corpse Village)?
The mystery dates back more than 1,200 years to the Heian period, when
Sakanoue no Tamuramaro, appointed Seii Taishogun by the Imperial Court, invaded Mutsu Province (present-day Tohoku) to strengthen his control over the Tohoku region, and many Emishi fought to protect the land.
However, despite their desperate resistance, the Emishi were defeated, and their brave leader, Otakemaru, was beheaded.
Onishigai Village (Demon Stone and Signboard)
Otakemaru's body from the neck down was buried near Kashima Shrine, and it is said that the burial site was under the "Demon Stone."
Onishi Village (Oniishi)
Some of you may be wondering, "What about above the neck?"
Legend has it that Otakemaru's head flew to Miyagi Prefecture, and that this became the origin of the name of the area known as Onikobe in Osaki City, Miyagi Prefecture (there are various theories about its origin)
The Mashiba Town Planning Council (located in the Mashiba Civic Center in Ichinoseki City) which is working to widely disseminate the origins and historical sites of Onishigai Village and pass them on to the next generation , produces and sells a variety of goods related to the place name. This time, we were shown some rare Onishigai goods that can only be purchased here.
Demon Corpse Goods
The "wooden straps" and "marquetry coasters," perfect as souvenirs, were made with the cooperation of local carpenters. These goods are scheduled to be available as gifts in return for donations to Ichinoseki City's hometown tax donation program in the future. Until then, be sure to go and buy some locally!
a "Modern Onishigaki Village Map," which is essential for touring the areas associated with Onishigaki Village, and is distributing it free of charge at the Onishigaki bus stop.
In addition to the historical sites introduced this time, there is a wealth of useful information for sightseeing around Onishigaki, such as the "Rib Stone" that is said to be part of Otakemaru's corpse, and the "Onishigaki Hachiman Shrine" that contains the place name Onishigaki, so we recommend that you definitely get it
summary
It turns out that the true identity of the demon of "Oni Shigai Village," a real-life village that existed during the Meiji period, was Otakemaru, an Emishi hero who risked his life to fight to protect the Tohoku region where he was born and raised.
In an era before maps or the internet, the Imperial Court may have viewed the uncivilized Tohoku region as an uncharted land, and described people who did not obey them as "unknown beings = demons."
To the people of Tohoku, Otakemaru is not seen as a demon, but as a hero who fought bravely to protect his hometown and his friends. I hope that his courage and spirit will be passed down forever, along with this unusual place name.
JNR Bus Onishigai Stop <Information>
Name: JNR Bus Onishigai Stop
Address: 33 Mashiba Inori, Ichinoseki City, Iwate Prefecture
Google Maps
Mashiba Civic Center <Information>
Name: Mashiba Civic Center
Address: 3-1 Mashibakawado, Ichinoseki City, Iwate Prefecture
Thank you for reading the article. I'm naka, a writer born and raised in Tohoku. His hobby is visiting temples and shrines. Her goshuin is now in its third volume. We bring you the latest information and deep topics from Tohoku that only locals can provide!
![0127-000](https://jp.neft.asia/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/0127-000-150x150.jpg.webp "What does "Shinobu Mochizuri" mean? Introducing related spots and folk tales [Fukushima Prefecture]")
![Genbikei bus stop](https://jp.neft.asia/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/IMG_5931-150x150.jpg.webp "The specialty of Genbikei, "Flying Dango," is definitely worth a visit! Delicious activities! [Ichinoseki City, Iwate Prefecture]")
