"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 rare museum in Japan that focuses on demons: Kitakami City Oni no Yakata .

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

in the Iwasaki district of Waga-machi, Kitakami City, is a place that could be called demon museum , collecting all sorts of demons not only from Japan but from all over the world . 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 museum the Kitakami Onikenbai dance .

Onikenbai, said to have originated in the Iwasaki district of Kitakami City, is one of Iwate Prefecture's representative folk performing arts, boasting a tradition of approximately 1,200 years.

While admiring the large demon mask, if you look to the side you'll see some familiar characters standing there. Yes, there are exhibits of the characters from "GeGeGe no Kitaro."

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, you will enter the real world of demons through the "Gate where the demons reside" , it is pronounced "Oni-kado" and is also known "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 is the "Demon Mandala ." Various demons from ancient Japan are displayed in four categories: "Otona," "Yokai," "Onigami," and "Hungry Ghosts

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 displays demon festivals and the associated demon masks

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

This is where the exhibition reaches its halfway point. The next exhibit "Demons of the World .

There are some items that make you wonder, "Is this really an oni?", but since the concept of "oni" itself is thought to be unique to Japan, it might be more appropriate to interpret this place "monsters and gods from around the world ." Items on display are mainly 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 finale of the Oni no Yakata exhibits is an exhibit related to the local Kitakami city tradition of Onikenbai .

As mentioned above, Onikenbai is one of Iwate Prefecture's representative folk performing arts, boasting a tradition of approximately 1,200 years, said to have originated in the Iwasaki district of Kitakami city.It is a dance that prays for good harvests, peace, and the scare away of evil spirits.

In 1993, it was designated as an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property by the national government

The Kitakami demons represented in Onikenbai are not objects of fear, but rather have the character of incarnations of Buddha that evoke peace, and are characterized by the lack of horns

There is also visiting deities , such as the Namahage of Akita, also known as "Spring Demons ." Visiting deities like the Namahage actually exist all over Japan, and as they are "gods," they are not strictly speaking "demons."

Suneka is a deity that visits during the Little New Year in the Yoshihama area of ​​Sanriku Town (now Ofunato City), Iwate Prefecture . His attire and mask, which make it difficult to read his expression, are quite eerie.

Just like the Namahage, , "Please help me ." This is sure to make children cry...

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Interesting Q&A about demons

There are also various Q&A sections set up within the museum. By looking at these, you can gain a deeper understanding of the ecology of oni. For example, in response to the question "What is an oni's daily life like?", the answer given is "They start to become active at dusk. At dawn, they hurry back to their homes. They are completely nocturnal creatures."

also explains effective ways to deal with the question, "What should I do if I encounter a demon?"

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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

A passage in the Kitakami Citizens' Charter "The pride of those high peaks where demons live ." For the people of Kitakami, demons are not symbols of evil, but rather are believed to bring happiness. At Oni no Yakata, you can feel the strong affection and feelings toward demons.

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

gimmicks in the exhibit that are activated by sensors when you pass by . It's quite surprising, so please try it out 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 Website – Oni no Yakata

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