[Kitakami City, Iwate Prefecture] “Oni no Yakata” is a demon museum where demons from all over the world gather!

In Kitakami City, Iwate Prefecture, there is a museum that focuses on demons, which is rare even in Japan. That "Kitakami City Oni no Yakata" .

Speaking of demons, they often appear in Japanese fairy tales and folk tales. Famous examples include ``Momotaro'' and ``The Crying Red Demon,'' with the former featuring a scary, evil demon that must be defeated, and the latter featuring a lovable, kind-hearted demon.

When we think of demons, we tend to think of them as scary, but in reality, each demon has its own character, including scary demons and gentle and timid demons.

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

Kitakami Oni Kenbu's large oni mask and Kitaro will welcome you.

The first thing that catches your eye when you enter the museum the Kitakami Oni Kenbu dance, .

is 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, I suddenly looked to the side and saw a familiar character standing there. Yes, objects from "GeGeGe no Kitaro"

Kitaro is a descendant of the ghost family and is not a demon, but perhaps because of the ``oni'' in his name, he plays the role of welcoming people to the demon mansion.

In the space in front of the exhibition room, various items related to ``Oni'' are displayed, including folk crafts, kites, and Oni Kenbu dolls.

the "Oni Rumon" where the goblin stands, we move on to the full-fledged world of demons. By the way, the pronunciation ``Onirikado'' , which means ``Kimon''.

Beyond the gate is a world of demons full of trees! ?

The first thing you see when you pass through the gate is a slightly eerie space filled with trees. After a while, the video will start showing on the screen in front of you.

It's about a 7-minute image video of "Oni", and you can watch it carefully or just skip it.

Various exhibits where you can enjoy the world of demons!

From here, the exhibition that takes a peek into the world of demons finally begins.

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

First up is "Oni Mandala" . Various demons that have been passed down in Japan since ancient times are displayed and divided into four categories: ``adults'', ``youkai'', ``kishin'', and ``gaki''

At the beginning, I said that there are some kind-hearted demons, but it seems that most of them are generally perceived as creepy or frightening. Many of the exhibits may be a bit scary for children.

There are detailed explanations based on folklore, etc., so there are many things of interest to those who like history, customs, and folklore. Adults may find it interesting.

By the way, there is also an explanation of the demon gate (Kimon) that you pass through when entering the exhibition room. We often hear this word, but what exactly is Kimon? You can also find the answer here.

Oni masks from all over the country come together | Japan's Oni Festival Exhibition

At the next booth, ``Oni Festivals'' and related ``Oni Masks'' are on display. Seeing the demon masks all together is a sight to behold, and it makes you realize that demon folklore is still alive in all parts of Japan.

From monsters of the world to gods! ｜World Demon Exhibition

This is the turning point for the exhibition. The next thing to appear ``Demons of the World'' exhibit.

There are some things that make you think, "Is this a demon?", but since the concept of "oni" itself seems to be unique to Japan, it might be more appropriate to interpret it as "yokai and gods from around the world." not. Mainly items from India, Southeast Asia, and China are on display.

For those who like the worldview of the late Shigeru Mizuki, creator of GeGeGe no Kitaro, who greeted us at the entrance, this is a must-see exhibit! There are many items on display that are reminiscent of the southern monsters that appear in his works.

Folk performing arts of local Kitakami｜Onikenbu exhibition

The finale of the exhibits at Oni no Yakata Onikenbai, a traditional dance performed in Kitakami City .

As mentioned above, Onikenbai is one of the representative folk performing arts of Iwate Prefecture, which is said to have originated in the Iwasaki district of Kitakami City and boasts a tradition of about 1,200 years. This is a dance to pray for exodus.

In 1993, it was designated as a nationally designated Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property

Kitakami's demons, which are represented in Onikenbu, are not objects of fear, but are rather incarnations of Buddha, evoking peace, and are characterized by the fact that they do not have horns

In addition, there are explanations and exhibits of visiting gods represented by Akita's Namahage, known as ``spring demons It seems that Raigogami like Namahage actually exist in various parts of Japan, and since they are "gods", they are not technically "demons".

Suneka, the visiting god of the Small New Year, is passed down in the Yoshihama area of ​​Sanriku Town (now Ofunato City), Iwate Prefecture . The clothes and the masks that made it impossible to read their expressions were quite eerie.

Like the Namahage, they walk from door to door saying, `` Naguwarasha inega.'' This will definitely make children cry...

Interesting Q&A about demons

There are also various Q&A sections within the museum. By watching this, you can learn more about the ecology of demons. For example, in response to the question, ``What is a demon's daily life like?'' , ``They start their activities at dusk.At dawn, they rush back to their homes.They are completely nocturnal creatures.'' There are answers such as:

There are also explanations of effective ways to deal with the question, `` What should I do if I come across a demon?'' If you go to Oni no Yakata, be sure to learn about Oni at the Q&A corner!

Summary about Kitakami City Oni no Yakata

This time, we introduced Oni-no-Yakata, a museum with the theme of demons that Kitakami City has traditionally promoted.

In Kitakami, a section of the citizen's charter states, ``The pride of that high mountain . I believe that for the people of Kitakami, demons were not seen as symbols of harm, but rather as objects of faith that brought happiness. You can feel the strong attachment and feelings towards demons here at Oni no Yakata.

If you visit here, you are guaranteed to learn more about demons!

there are some gimmicks on display that are activated by sensors when you pass by You will be quite surprised, so please come and experience it yourself.

Kitakami City Demon House＜Information＞

• Name: Kitakami City Oni no Yakata
• Address: 131, Iwasaki 16, Waka-cho, Kitakami City, Iwate Prefecture
• Phone number: 0197-73-8488
• Official URL: Kitakami City HP – Oni no Yakata

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