![]() Thus the Chinese character 鬼 (gwai) meaning "ghost" came to be used for these formless creatures. These nebulous beings could also take on a variety of forms to deceive (and often devour) humans. The word "oni" is sometimes speculated to be derived from on, the on'yomi reading of a character (隠) meaning to hide or conceal, as oni were originally invisible spirits or gods which caused disasters, disease, and other unpleasant things. In addition to this, it can mean to go overboard, or be unnecessarily strong or powerful. It can also be used in the sense of "strong beyond strong", or having one's natural quality enhanced or supplemented by the use of some tool. ![]() This image leads to the expression "oni with an iron club" (鬼に金棒 oni-ni-kanabō), that is, to be invincible or undefeatable. They are often depicted wearing tiger-skin loincloths and carrying iron clubs called kanabō (金棒). Their skin may be any number of colors, but red and blue are particularly common. They are humanoid for the most part, but occasionally, they are shown with unnatural features such as odd numbers of eyes or extra fingers and toes. They are popular characters in Japanese art, literature, and theatre.ĭepictions of oni vary widely but usually portray them as hideous, gigantic ogre-like creatures with sharp claws, wild hair, and two long horns growing from their heads. Oni (鬼) are a kind of yōkai from Japanese folklore, variously translated as demons, devils, ogres, or trolls. ![]()
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