Rashōmon no oni 羅城門の鬼

Rashōmon no oni (羅城門の鬼), the “Demon of the Southern Gate,” is a legendary figure who haunted the decaying ruins of ancient Kyoto’s entrance, engaging in a famous duel that left it maimed and humiliated.

Meaning and Origin

The name refers to the Oni (demon) that resided at the Rashōmon, the grand southern gate of Heian-kyō (Kyoto).

The origin of the legend is found in the Konjaku Monogatarishū and was later celebrated in Noh theater. By the Heian period, the Rashōmon gate had fallen into total disrepair, becoming a symbol of the city’s decay and a haunt for criminals and scavengers. Folklore states that a terrifying demon took up residence in the upper rafters of the gate, snatching anyone who tried to enter or leave the city after dark. This demon is most often identified as Ibaraki-dōji, the chief lieutenant of the demon king Shuten-dōji.

Characteristics

The Rashōmon no oni is described as a hulking, muscular demon with skin as black as soot and eyes that glowed like embers in the dark. It possessed immense strength and a particular talent for Stealth, hiding in the deep shadows of the gate’s eaves where no moonlight could reach.

Its most famous characteristic is its Extreme Resilience. Even after having its arm severed in battle, the demon survived and displayed a high degree of cunning to retrieve its lost limb. In artistic depictions, it is often shown as a chaotic force of nature, its wild hair and tattered garments blending with the storm clouds that frequently gather around the cursed gate.

Legends

The central legend is the “Wager of Watanabe no Tsuna.” Tsuna, one of the famous Shitennō (Heavenly Kings) of Minamoto no Raikō, made a bet that he could go to the haunted gate alone. As he approached, a giant hand reached down from the shadows and grabbed his helmet. Tsuna quickly drew his sword, Hizamaru, and sliced off the demon’s arm. The creature roared in agony and fled into the night.

Tsuna kept the severed arm sealed in a stone chest, following a priest’s advice to perform a week of purification. However, on the final day, the demon returned disguised as Tsuna’s aged Aunt. Through tears and flattery, “she” convinced him to show her the trophy. The moment the chest was opened, the demon revealed its true form, snatched the arm, and flew through the roof of the house. This legend is a cornerstone of Japanese warrior culture, representing the theme that even the greatest victory can be undone by a moment of misplaced sentiment.