Momiji (oni)


Momiji is a prominent kijo in Japanese folklore. Her story, known as the Legend of Momiji, is primarily associated with the regions of Kinasa, Togakushi, and in Nagano Prefecture. The central narrative involves the hero battling and ultimately defeating the kijo named Momiji, who resided on Mount Togakushi.

Origins and Development

The common element across most versions is a female demon named Momiji dwelling on Mount Togakushi in Shinano Province, who is eventually slain by the warrior Taira no Koremochi.
The legend gained significant prominence through adaptations in traditional performing arts. The Noh play Momijigari, likely composed by Kanze Nobumitsu in the latter half of the Muromachi period, is a cornerstone. This play depicts Koremochi encountering a group of noblewomen enjoying autumn maple viewing on Mount Togakushi, only to discover their leader is the disguised demon Momiji. While it's widely believed the Noh play drew upon pre-existing local legends of demons on Mount Togakushi, some scholars consider the specific narrative featuring Momiji as possibly originating with Nobumitsu. Numerous legendary sites related to Momiji around Togakushi are thought to have been established *after* the popularization of the story through Noh and other media.
Following the Noh play, the story was adapted into Jōruri puppet theatre and Kabuki. A notable Kabuki version, also titled Momijigari by Kawatake Mokuami, refers to the demoness as Sarashinahime.

Other Togakushi Demon Legends

Mount Togakushi itself has a rich history of demon legends predating or distinct from the Momiji story:
  • The Asabashō, a 13th-century text, mentions a practitioner named Gakumon in the mid-9th century who sealed a nine-headed, dragon-tailed demon within a cave on the mountain. The demon later reformed as a benevolent water deity. This demon's tail supposedly reached an inlet named Ozaki in Echigo Province, where it was worshipped as Ozaki Gongen.
  • The historical chronicle Taiheiki recounts how the warrior slew a demon on Mount Togakushi and named his sword Onikiri thereafter. This account significantly influenced the perception of Togakushi as a demon-infested place and likely impacted later legends, including those adapted for Noh.
  • The Togakushisan Emaki, a narrative scroll likely created around the Muromachi period and held by Togakushi Shrine, tells of a demon named Kyūshō Daiō who resided on the mountain during the reign of Empress Genshō. This demon was defeated by a minister named Kihi no Otodo. This story shows influences from Noh's Momijigari and the Shuten-dōji legend, including scenes where the demon's minions disguise themselves as women.
These varied traditions highlight Mount Togakushi's long association with powerful supernatural entities, providing a rich backdrop for the Momiji legend.

The Legend of Momiji

While numerous variations exist, a detailed narrative emerged, particularly popularized by the Meiji era publication and retold in works like Iwaya Sazanami's Daigoen. This version provides an extensive backstory:
Momiji was originally named Kureha and was said to be the sixth child of a couple named Sasayo Gozen and Hangu Iwami Hogan, descendants of the Ōtomo clan. Born around 937 CE, she possessed exceptional beauty and numerous talents, purportedly blessed by the power of the. Around age 16, she took the name Momiji and went to the capital, Kyoto. There, she attracted the attention of Minamoto no Tsunemoto, a powerful nobleman, eventually becoming his mistress and bearing his child, despite Tsunemoto already having an official wife.
However, Tsunemoto's wife grew suspicious of Momiji, accusing her of using magic to harm her and plotting to usurp her position. While initially sentenced to death, Momiji's pregnancy led to her sentence being commuted to exile in the remote Shinano Province.
She settled in the village of Minase in a secluded valley. Initially welcomed by the locals for her skills and courtly knowledge, she eventually gathered a band of followers and began raiding the surrounding areas, earning the moniker "Kijo". Her activities became so disruptive that Emperor Reizei issued an imperial decree ordering her subjugation. The task fell to Taira no Koremochi, a renowned warrior. Koremochi found Momiji and her band difficult to defeat through conventional means due to their martial skills and potentially Momiji's supernatural powers. After praying to the gods at, Koremochi was granted a divine sword, the Gōma no Reiken. Armed with this sword, and possibly using deception, Koremochi finally managed to defeat and kill Momiji. The village where she resided was subsequently renamed Kinasa, meaning "village without demons."

Legend Variants

Kinasa Tradition: In the local folklore of Kinasa itself, Momiji is often portrayed more sympathetically as a "Kijo" rather than a "Kijo". This version emphasizes her positive contributions: she healed the sick, taught reading, writing, arithmetic, and sewing, bringing Kyoto culture to the remote village. Her exile is attributed solely to the jealousy of Tsunemoto's official wife. The grateful villagers built her a residence called the Dairi Yashiki to resemble the imperial palace she missed.Wife of Gishiki Hachimen: Some traditions connect Momiji with another local demon figure, making her the wife of, a powerful oni said to have ruled the region in ancient times.Guardian Deity: According to the , after her defeat, Momiji's spirit transformed into two Tengu, named Hachijōbō and Kujōbō. These tengu became attendants of the deity and protectors of temple in Bessho Onsen.

Associated Locations

Numerous sites in Nagano Prefecture are linked to the Momiji legend:

Kinasa

  • **Dairi Yashiki Ato**: Ruins of the mansion built for Momiji. A memorial stupa stands here.
  • **Tsukiyo no Haka**: Tomb said to belong to Momiji's lady-in-waiting.
  • **Yakabushi**: Site associated with the mansion's defenses or archery practice.
  • **Kyoto Place Names**: Many local areas bear names reminiscent of Kyoto, supposedly named by Momiji out of nostalgia.
  • **Temples and Shrines**:
* : Temple dedicated to Momiji's memory, holding tombs for her and her retainers, and a Jizō Bosatsu statue she reputedly owned.
* Kinasa Shrine, : Shrines where Koremochi prayed for victory.
  • **Kowashimizu & Koremochi Yanagi**: A spring where Koremochi drank, exclaiming "Kowai, kowai!". A willow tree grew where he planted his toothpick.

Togakushi (Former Shigaramimura area)

The area around Mount Arakura is considered the main battleground.
  • **Oni no Iwaya**: Cave where Momiji is said to have lived.
  • **Oni no Tsuka**: Burial mound for Momiji and her followers.
  • **Geographical Features**: Numerous rocks, springs, and plains bear names related to the legend: Keshozui, Byōbuiwa, Butaiiwa, Kamadaniwa, Kamashoiiwa, Komatsumeiwa, Oku no Iwaya.
  • **Battle Place Names**: Areas supposedly marking stages of the battle: Andogamine, Ryūkogahara, Busu no Taira, Kido, Ashitagahara, Maku no Iri, Shigaki, Shigarami, Watado, Okkayō.
  • **Temples and Shrines**:
  • : Also known as Momiji-hō ; holds memorial tablets naming both Momiji and Koremochi together, and large scrolls depicting their battle.
  • Momiji Inari, Yama no Kami, Yasaki Shrine, Yamoto Shrine, Jūnisha Shrine: Shrines associated with prayers by Momiji or Koremochi.
  • **Ashigami-sama**: A small shrine near Togakushi Shrine Chūsha dedicated to "Oman," said to be one of Momiji's followers, worshipped as a deity of foot health.

Bessho Onsen, Nagano City, Kijimadaira

  • **Taira no Koremochi's Tomb**: A mound in Ueda City claimed to be the grave of Koremochi, who supposedly died from wounds sustained in the battle.
  • **Kitamuki Kannon**: Temple in Bessho Onsen reputedly restored by Koremochi. It houses an ema depicting the battle.
  • **Temples with Art/Relics**:, Hōshō-ji in Nagano City, and Senshō-ji in Kijimadaira village possess scrolls depicting the Momiji-Koremochi battle. These temples are traditionally said to have been founded by Koremochi's descendants. Hōshō-ji also has an Armored Yakushi Nyorai statue attributed to Koremochi.

Cultural Significance and Legacy

Shrine Rituals at Togakushi

  • According to the travels of Sugae Masumi, Togakushi Shrine held a "Momiji-e" on September 7, 8, and 9th. This commemorated Koremochi's victory, which supposedly occurred on July 7–9. During the ceremony, maple leaves were arranged in cups and offered for three days to appease Momiji's spirit. Afterwards, offering the leaves at the Iwaya cave was believed to make them magically appear at Ozaki in Echigo Province.
  • The Zenkōji Dō Meisho Zue notes that during the "Shichigatsu-e", the largest festival at Kenkō-ji/Togakushi Shrine, certain movements involving brandishing a naginata were performed, said to derive from Koremochi's actions during the demon subjugation.

Modern Festivals

The legend continues to be celebrated in local festivals:
  • **Kinasa Kijo Momiji Matsuri**: Held annually on the 4th Sunday of October. Originally at the Dairi Yashiki site, now mainly at Shōgan-ji temple, featuring Buddhist services and performances like the Shinshū Kinasa Kijo Momiji Taiko drums.
  • **Togakushi Kijo Momiji Matsuri**: Also held annually on the 4th Sunday of October, at the Arakura Campground. Includes food stalls and Noh performances on a stage.

Adaptations in Arts

The Momiji legend, particularly through the Momijigari plays, has inspired numerous works:
* "Kureha" by the band Onmyo-Za, based on the legend and Kabuki play.
* "Kinasa no Michi" by Nishijima Mieko.

Historical Documentation

Key historical texts mentioning the legend or related traditions include:Wakan Sansai Zue - Vol. 68, Shinano, Togakushi Myōjin section.Shinpu Tōki - Vol. 3, No. 17.Sugae Masumi Yūranki - Vol. 1, "Kumeji no Hashi".Shinano Kishō Roku.Zenkōji Dō Meisho Zue.Hokkouzan Reigenki Togakushiyama Kijo Momiji Taiji no Den Zen.