Momiji (oni)

Lore & Background

Momiji was originally named Kureha, said to be the sixth child of a couple descended from the Ōtomo clan, born around 937 CE. Possessing exceptional beauty and talents, she took the name Momiji around age 16 and went to Kyoto. She became associated with Taira no Koremochi, the warrior who would later be tasked with her defeat. Accused of using magic, she was exiled to Shinano Province around 956 CE. There she settled in a secluded valley, gathered followers, and began raiding, earning the moniker 'Kijo' (female demon). Emperor Reizei issued an imperial decree for her subjugation, and Taira no Koremochi was tasked with the mission. After praying at Bessho Onsen, Koremochi received a divine sword and defeated Momiji, possibly using deception. The village where she resided was renamed Kinasa, meaning 'village without demons.'

Reader's Guide

The Momiji legend is significant for its deep roots in Japanese folklore and its enduring influence on traditional performing arts. The Noh play *Momijigari*, likely composed by Kanze Nobumitsu in the latter half of the Muromachi period, is a cornerstone adaptation that depicts Koremochi encountering a group of noblewomen on Mount Togakushi, only to discover their leader is the disguised demon Momiji. This play drew upon pre-existing local legends of demons on the mountain, though some scholars consider the specific narrative featuring Momiji as possibly originating with Nobumitsu. The story was later adapted into Jōruri puppet theatre and Kabuki, with a notable 1887 Kabuki version referring to the demoness as Sarashinahime. Numerous legendary sites around Togakushi, such as Oni no Iwaya (cave) and Oni no Tsuka (burial mound), are thought to have been established after the story's popularization through Noh and other media. Local traditions in Kinasa portray Momiji more sympathetically as a noblewoman who brought culture to the village, while other variants connect her to other demon figures or depict her spirit transforming into tengu protectors. The legend contributes to Mount Togakushi's long association with powerful supernatural entities, alongside other demon tales from the Asabashō, Taiheiki, and Togakushisan Emaki.

Did You Know?

• The Noh play *Momijigari* is a cornerstone of the legend, likely composed by Kanze Nobumitsu in the latter half of the Muromachi period.
• In the Kinasa tradition, Momiji is often portrayed sympathetically, though she remains a kijo (female demon) — not a noblewoman — and claims about her teaching literacy and arithmetic are not widely-known parts of the le
• The village where Momiji resided was renamed Kinasa (鬼無里), meaning 'village without demons.'