The same with Japan as this kanji made its way to this island country possibly through the spread of Buddhism. With usage mainly in religious practices, it is rarely seen in standard writings or general use, thus quite uncommon even in the general public. The “tsuno ga nai oni ” kanji has its history begin first in China, with use primarily by religious sects and groups. This kanji is often dubbed “tsuno ga nai oni” 3, or the hornless demon. This is due in part that the oni kanji wasn’t used in their name in conception, but instead another version of this kanji. From their public website “Kuki-shinden” (which is no longer available), to the most recent published book under their authorization called “Shinden Bujutsu” (written by Takatsuka Eichoku), it has been explained that the correct pronunciation is “Kukami”, which actually means “9 Gods”. In various publications and mediums, the Kuki family and associates of them have expressed many times that the Kuki name was not originally read as it is commonly so now. Kongou, a character from the game “Warzard” I enjoyed playing years ago, is a good representation of how vivid the image of the oni can be. In reality, the image of the oni is quite grotesque and frightening. Nowadays it is not unusual for the oni (far left) to look somewhat “cute” in children’s tales. While in popular children’s tales of old, such as “Momotaro”, the depiction of the oni may appear whimsical, the features remain the same, and the overall negative undertone of the oni persists. With such an ominous makeup, would the Kuki family, devoted followers of the religion Nakatomi Shinto, want their name associated with a word that would demonify them? In the folklore “Momotaro”, the hero Momotaro, along with his 3 animal companions, head to Onigashima to quell the oni (demons) there. The general image of an oni in Japan is a being with a large frame, skin that is dark red or dark blue toned, unkempt hair, wearing tiger skin loincloth, talons for fingernails, a large mouth with 2 fangs protruding out, and 1~2 horns on the head. Especially in ancient times of Japan, where superstitions and stories of demons had a big impact on the culture. Normally, images associated with the oni kanji in ancient times (whether on its own or in conjunction with other kanji) is ominous, frightful, and/or dreadful. As expected, this has a negative, demonic connotation. Normally pronounced as “oni” or “ki” 2 in Japanese, it generally possesses the following meanings: demon, (evil) spirit, ghost, fierce, violent, dead body, and death. In the Chinese and Japanese language, there were periods where a specific kanji had a few different ways to be written depending on usage, which in those cases gave it an altered meaning. This line is often viewed as the “horn” (tsuno in Japanese). Notice the small line on top of this kanji. A hand painting of the oni (demon) kanji.
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