The autumn festival in the city of Ibara is also known as the "Oni Matsuri" (Demon Festival).
The festival begins with a divine procession ceremony held at the Inomori Shrine. More than 100 large and small "oni", dressed in costumes like Sarutahiko no Mikoto (a Japanese deity), gather to lead the procession through the town, creating a truly dazzling spectacle.
It is customary for those who dress as festival demons for three consecutive years to have their wishes granted. After receiving purification at the shrine of their local deity, they attach the Gohei (sacred emblems) they’ve been given to the tip of their spear or on their back, and parade through the town, creating an impressive display.
The demons roam the city, scaring children with their staffs and distinctive cries. The children, in turn, sing "Oni ya hyonki, nasubi no kuisashi" to provoke the demons, who then chase after them.
It is said that those who manage to snatch the Gohei from the demons' spears or backs will be blessed with household safety, good health, and protection from illness for the entire year.
As for the origin of the "Oni Matsuri," it is said that the divine procession, or "Goshinko," was previously conducted in each neighborhood. However, records indicate that starting from the fifth year of the Bunsei era (1822), the festival has been held annually.
After the war, the number of participants embodying demons gradually declined. But with the onset of the Heisei era, the Ibara Community Center, with support from various organizations, combined the Demon Festival parade with a traffic safety awareness campaign, which helped transform the festival into a major event.
Ja'bokko, Hannyā, and Sarutahiko are iconic figures that infuse the Oni Matsuri with their mystical presence. Each of these entities carries a deep significance, rooted in the region's tradition and folklore.
Ja'bokko, with his imposing stature and fearsome appearance, embodies raw strength and terror.
Hannyā, often associated with a female demon, symbolizes pain and jealousy, her features distorted by the darkest human emotions. As for Sarutahiko, he guides souls and watches over passages, with his distinctive nose and piercing gaze, symbolizing wisdom and divine authority. The Ja'bokko mask is a piece of power and terror. Its generous proportions and deliberately exaggerated features are designed to instill fear. The artisans who create it infuse it with meticulous details, carving deep wrinkles and stern expressions to make tangible the menacing aura of this mythical creature. The Hannyā mask, on the other hand, is distinguished by the finesse of its craftsmanship. Often associated with a female demon, it sports sharp horns and piercing eyes that convey inner suffering, a devouring jealousy. The skin is generally painted white, while touches of red around the eyes and mouth add a dramatic intensity to this tormented face.
The Sarutahiko mask, in turn, precisely captures the distinctive characteristics of this Shinto deity. Known for his emblematic long nose, it is carved from wood and coated in a bright red hue, a symbol of protection against evil forces. The thick eyebrows and beard, made from natural or synthetic hair, give this mask an impression of wisdom and realism. The eyes, adorned with golden details, enhance the divine aura that emanates from this protective figure.
To create my own mask, I was able to select a pre-prepared paper mold. I chose the one representing Ja'bokko. After three hours of work, I achieved a result that closely resembled the real wooden mask.
To fully immerse myself in the experience, I was offered the opportunity to wear the traditional Ja'bokko demon outfit during the Oni Matsuri. From a distance, I'm pleased to see that the difference between my mask and a wooden one is hardly noticeable!
It had been a long time since I had spent so much time painting a piece like this, and I thoroughly enjoyed it! These are pictures with an Hannyā on the right, and Ja'bokko for the others
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