Oni: Westerners Represented in Japanese Myth

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Oni Westerners Represented in Japanese Myth

• Asako Shiba
• LIS 694, November 2002

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Overview

• What is Oni?
• My theory Why Oni represents Westerners

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What Is Oni?

• Mythological creature
• Their appearance
• Human-like look male
• But with horn(s)
• Often has bright red skin
• Has bright-color curly hair
• Hairy

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They look like

• --represents what Japanese saw in Westerners when
  first encountering with them?

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My Theory Oni Representing Westerners

• Westerners features were totally unfamiliar to
  old-time Japanese.
• Features of Oni can be considered to be
  appearance of Viking.
• Rumor about Japanese old story momotaro.
• Oni which were fought off by momotaro imply
  Westerners.

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Thank You!

• If you have any further questions or comments,
  please contact me at shiba_at_hawaii.edu