"Oni no Yakata" is a demon museum that brings together demons from all over the world! [Kitakami City, Iwate Prefecture]

In Kitakami City, Iwate Prefecture, there is a museum that focuses primarily on demons, a rare sight even on a national level. It is called the"Kitakami City Demon Museum.

Oni often appear in Japanese fairy tales and folk tales. Famous examples include "Momotaro" and "The Crying Red Oni." In the former, a scary, evil oni appears that must be defeated, while in the latter, a lovable, kind-hearted oni appears

When we think of demons, we tend to think of scary images, but in reality, demons have different characters, such as scary demons and kind, timid demons

, housing all kinds of demons not only from Japan but from all over the worlda museum), located in the Iwasaki district of Waga-cho, Kitakami City, is a place that can be calleddemons. This time, we will introduce this Oni no Yakata.

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A large demon mask from Kitakami Onikenbai and Kitaro welcome you

The first thing that catches your eye when you enter the buildingthe Kitakami Onikenbai dance.

is said to have originated in the Iwasaki district of Kitakami City,Onikenbai, whichis one of Iwate Prefecture's representative folk performing arts, boasting a tradition of approximately 1200 years.

While admiring the large demon mask, I glanced to the side and saw some familiar characters standing there. That's right, the characters from the popular anime"GeGeGe no Kitaro"were on display as sculptures.

Kitaro is a descendant of the ghost tribe and is not a demon, but perhaps because of the "demon" in his name, he serves as a welcome person at the demon mansion

In the space in front of the exhibition room, various items related to demons are on display, including folk crafts, kites, and Onikenbu dolls

Then,the "Gate Where Demons Reside,"you enter the real world of demons throughoniiru kado,the "demon gate" (kimon).

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Beyond the gate lies a lush, demonic world!

Once you pass through the gate, you'll first come across an eerie space filled with trees. After a short while, a video will begin to play on the screen in front of you

It's a seven-minute video of demons, and you can either take your time to watch it or just skip ahead

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Various exhibits that allow you to enjoy the world of demons!

This is where the exhibition begins, giving you a glimpse into the world of demons

Unraveling the various demons that have been passed down in Japan since ancient times | Demon Mandala Exhibition

First up isthe "Oni Mandala." Various demons from ancient Japanese folklore"Adults," "Yokai," "Oni Gods,"and "Hungry Ghosts," and displayed on the exhibit.

Although I said at the beginning that there are kind-hearted demons, most of them are generally portrayed as creepy or frightening creatures. Many of the exhibits may be a little scary for children

There are detailed explanations based on folklore and other sources, so there is plenty to interest those who love history, customs, folklore, etc. Adults may find it fascinating as well

By the way, there is also an explanation here about the Kimon, or the gate where demons reside, that you pass through to enter the exhibition room. It's a word you hear often, but what exactly is Kimon? You can find the answer here

Demon masks from all over Japan gathered together | Japanese Oni Festival Exhibition

The next booth"Oni Matsuri" (demon festivals)associated with themthe "Oni Masks"displays

From monsters to gods from around the world! | Demons from around the world exhibition

This marks the halfway point of the exhibition. Next upthe "Demons of the World"exhibit.

While some of the exhibits might make you think, "Is this really a demon?", the concept of "demon" itself seems to be unique to Japan, so it might be more accurate to interpret this"monsters and gods from around the world." The exhibits mainly feature artifacts from India, Southeast Asia, and China.

This is a must-see for fans of the worldview of the late Shigeru Mizuki, the creator of Gegege no Kitaro, who greeted us at the entrance! There are many exhibits reminiscent of the southern monsters that appear in his works

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Local Kitakami folk performing arts | Demon Sword Dance Exhibition

The grand finale of the exhibits at the Onino Yakata (Demon's Hall) is an exhibit related to Oni Kenbai, a traditional demon sword dance from Kitakami City.

As mentioned earlier,"Onikenbai"is one of Iwate Prefecture's representative folk performing arts, boasting a tradition of approximately 1200 years, and is said to have originated in the Iwasaki district of Kitakami City. It is a dance performed to pray for a bountiful harvest, peace, and the expulsion of evil spirits.

in 1993designated a National Important Intangible Folk Cultural PropertyIt was

The demons of Kitakami, as exemplified by the Onikenbai dance, are not objects of fear, but rather embody the characteristics of a Buddha's incarnation, evoking a sense of peace and tranquility, andabsence of hornsare characterized by the

Furthermore, this site"the demons that come in spring," exemplified by the Namahage of Akitavisiting deities. It seems that visiting deities like the Namahage actually exist throughout Japan, and since they are "gods," they are not strictly speaking "demons."

from the Yoshihama district of Sanriku Town, Iwate Prefecture (now Ofunato City), who is celebratedSuneka is a visiting deity. The mask, with its indeterminate clothing and expression, was quite eerie.

Just like the Namahage,"Are you okay?"This would definitely make children cry...

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Interesting Q&A about demons

The museum also features various Q&A sections. By reading these, you can learn more about the ecology of demons. For example,"What is a demon's daily life like?",in response to the question,"They begin their activities at dusk. At dawn, they hastily return to their dwellings. They are completely nocturnal creatures."the answer is,

The museum alsowhat to do if you encounter a demonoffers helpful advice on

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Summary of Kitakami City Oni no Yakata

This time, we introduced Oni no Yakata, a museum themed around demons that Kitakami City has traditionally promoted

In Kitakami, a passage in the city charter"That high peak is the pride of demons." For the people of Kitakami, demons were not seen as symbols of evil, but rather as objects of faith that brought happiness. You can feel that strong affection and sentiment towards demons here at the Demon Museum.

If you visit here, you're sure to learn more about demons!

Incidentally, the exhibitgimmicks that are activated by sensors. They're quite surprising, so be sure to experience them for yourself!

Kitakami City Oni no Yakata (Demon House) ＜Information＞

• Name: Kitakami City Oni no Yakata
• Address: 131, Iwasaki 16, Wagacho, Kitakami City, Iwate Prefecture
• Phone number: 0197-73-8488
• Official URL:Kitakami City HP – Oni no Yakata (Demon's Hall)

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