44 Fascinating Japanese Oni: Myths, Legends, and Demon Lore

21. Yasha (夜叉)

The Demon Guardian
A fierce spirit also serving under Bishamonten, blending the lines between demon and divine protector.

22. Gokusotsu (獄卒)

The Tormentor of Souls
This demon plays the role of a jailer in hell, punishing the wicked.

23. Gaki (餓鬼)

The Hungry Ghost
A tormented soul condemned to wander the realm of hunger as punishment for its earthly misdeeds.

24. Ko Oni / Shōki (子鬼)

The Mischievous Imp
Small in stature but big on mischief, these Oni delight in playing tricks on humans.

25. Kishin (鬼神)

The Wrathful Divine Spirit
A volatile and vengeful deity, often invoked to explain misfortune and calamity.

26. Sankichi Oni (三吉鬼)

The Mysterious Demon
A lesser-known but enigmatic Oni from the folklore of Akita Prefecture.

27. Iki / Itsuki / Kubire Oni (縊鬼)

The Possessing Demon
Believed to possess individuals and strangle them, this Oni is feared for its silent lethality.

28. Zenki (前鬼)

The Ascetic’s Demon – Husband
One half of a demon couple said to have accompanied the ascetic practices of the legendary Yakushin, representing the husband figure.

29. Goki (後鬼)

The Ascetic’s Demon – Wife
The counterpart to Zenki, this demon represents the wife in the infamous demon couple associated with mountain asceticism.

30. Akuraō (阿久良王)

The Demon General of Kurashiki
Legend tells of this powerful demon commander who ruled from Mount Yuka in Kurashiki.

31. Onra / Onra (温羅)

The Ancient Kibi Demon
Originating from the southern Okayama region’s Kibi area, this Oni dates back to ancient times.

32. Konheika (金平鹿)

The Sea Ravager
A formidable demon general known for terrorizing the seas in Japan’s Kumano region.

33. Fujiwara Chikata no Yonki (藤原千方の四鬼)

The Four Demonic Generals
Legends from Tsu in Mie Prefecture speak of these four Oni associated with the Fujiwara clan.

34. Ayosato no Oni (阿用郷の鬼)

The One-Eyed Devourer
A terrifying one-eyed, man-eating demon from the local legends of Ayosato in the Izumo region.

35. Suzuka Gozen (鈴鹿御前)

The Notorious Female Demon
Emerging in the late Muromachi period, this formidable female Oni has become one of Japan’s most famous demonic figures.

36. Kijo (鬼女)

The Demon Woman
A human female transformed into an Oni by karmic burdens or lingering grudges—often representing youthful beauty gone awry.

37. Hannya (般若)

The Vengeful Specter
Born from the spirit of a woman consumed by deep-seated hatred, Hannya is a tragic yet terrifying figure.

38. Onibaba (鬼婆)

The Old Crone Demon
This elderly female Oni, transformed by her own misdeeds and resentments, roams as a cautionary figure in folklore.

39. Yamauba / Yamanba (山姥)

The Mountain Witch
Often appearing in folktales, this crone of the mountains embodies both the wisdom and the dangers of the wild.

40. Aka Oni (赤鬼)

The Demon of Human Vice
Symbolizing the darker aspects of human nature, the Red Oni represents unchecked anger and malice.

41. Ao Oni (青鬼)

The Demon of Inner Hatred
This blue-hued demon reflects the destructive power of personal malice and resentment.

42. Ryokki (緑鬼)

The Demon of Sloth
Associated with laziness, lethargy, and the perils of neglecting one’s duties, the Green Oni reminds us of the dangers of indolence.

43. Kuro Oni (黒鬼)

The Demon of Suspicion
Embodying bitterness and doubt, the Black Oni symbolizes the corrosive nature of mistrust.

44. Shiro Oni / Ki Oni (白鬼 / 黄鬼)

The Demon of Attachment
Representing indulgence, excessive attachment, and even sweetness in its more subtle symbolism, these Oni complete our extensive list.

Conclusion

Japanese Oni have long been a source of fascination—embodying everything from raw fury and vengeance to the intricate symbolism of human vices. This guide of 44 Oni not only highlights their varied forms and legends but also underscores how deeply intertwined these demons are with Japan’s cultural and spiritual history. Whether you’re delving into folklore for academic research or pure passion, exploring these Oni offers a window into a world where myth and morality collide.

Embrace the mystique of these legendary beings and let their stories ignite your curiosity about the rich tapestry of Japanese mythology.

Reference：Wikipedia – 鬼