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I believe the legends of the oni embody the mystique of Japan. The museum is located deep in the mountains of Oe-cho, Fukuchiyama City, where oni are said to have lived. I was introduced to the director and gained a deep understanding of the oni.
I’ve heard that the concept of “oni” was established during the Heian to Muromachi periods through the fusion of “spirits of the dead” originating from China and Japan’s indigenous “invisible, terrifying beings” (known as “on’u”), which then became associated with Buddhist imagery of hell.
In Japan, ogres take on a wide variety of forms, ranging from terrifying to sorrowful. Influenced by Buddhist teachings, people have both chased and been chased by ogres; at times they have befriended them, at other times feared them, and they even use proverbs featuring ogres as warnings. Ogre-shaped roof tiles are also used as talismans to ward off evil spirits. It seems that Japan’s unique philosophy and beliefs have shaped this diverse array of ogres.
There are so many versions of the legend of Shuten-dōji that it’s hard to know which one is the true story. In the tale of a human child who was abandoned even by his own family, wandered from mountain to mountain, and eventually transformed into a demon, I sense a mixture of human sorrow and hatred.
I get the sense that he possessed a compassionate heart—one that would steal from the wealthy but never from the poor. Am I the only one who feels sorry for him, knowing he was killed by Minamoto no Yorimitsu?
Well, the restaurant we stopped at for lunch that day was wonderful, so I’d like to tell you about it here. The restaurant’s name is “Armonia”—apparently, it means “harmony” in Spanish.
The stylish interior, a modern renovation of an old Japanese house, features a lineup of musical instruments perfect for live performances. The lunch course is exceptional, and the wine is superb. The pottery gallery also sells beautiful ceramic pieces.
What was really amazing was that the waitresses and waiters who had been taking our orders just a few minutes earlier started singing “Ave Maria” to the piano as we were finishing our meal. The male and female soprano duet was beautiful and moving.
I was surprised to learn later that it was a family-run business, with the singers being their daughter and son.
It was a wonderful restaurant where delicious food, drinks, and music came together to create a truly memorable experience.
