Momiji-gari
Momiji-gari
Momiji-gari (紅葉狩 – Momiji Hunting) is a depiction of a woman with a connection to a particular demoness in the Konjaku Hyakki Shūi. In this depiction she is shown in a mountain, holding a long-handled sake pot.
This particular creature relates to the Demoness known as Kijo (a possible oni) whom Taira no Koremichi came across while viewing momiji in the mountains of Mount Togakushi. Eventually he discovers through a vision while sleeping that she is a demon and so kills her.
This is why the name of this creature can be translated as Momiji Hunting, in addition to ‘viewing the autumn colours.’
This particular tale is played out in a noh play of the same name and the town in which this legend can find its origin is called Kinasa-no-Sato, which translates to ‘Village without an Oni.’1
External Links
- View the book online here: Konjaku Hyakki Shūi Online.
Footnotes
1. Yoda, H. and Alt, M. (2016) “Japandemonium: Illustrated: The Yokai Encyclopaedia of Toriyama Sekien.”. New York: Dover Publications, Inc.
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