The Demon's Deception: Ibaraki-dōji Reclaims Her Severed Arm
- Re.JapBook
- Jan 17
- 2 min read
Updated: Jan 25
From Tsukioka Yoshitoshi's "New Forms of Thirty-six Ghosts" Series
The Initial Encounter
The tale begins with the renowned warrior Watanabe no Tsuna, who encountered a mysterious young woman seeking assistance near the Ichijō Bridge at midnight. After offering her a ride on his horse, the woman revealed her true form as a fearsome demon, Ibaraki-dōji, attempting to drag Tsuna skyward by his hair toward Mount Atago.
The Warrior's Victory
Maintaining his composure, Tsuna drew his legendary sword Higekiri ("Beard-Cutter") and severed the demon's arm, successfully escaping her grasp. He presented the severed limb to his lord, Minamoto no Raiko, who sought counsel from the famous onmyōji (court astrologer) Abe no Seimei.
The Sacred Precaution
Seimei warned that the demon would inevitably return to reclaim her arm. He advised Tsuna to observe seven days of ritual seclusion, during which the arm would be sealed in a special chest while priests chanted the Niō Sutra. Most critically, Tsuna was instructed to admit absolutely no one into his residence during this period.
The Cunning Deception
On the final evening of seclusion, an elderly woman appeared at Tsuna's gate, claiming to be his aunt from Settsu Province. Despite his initial reluctance, Tsuna's resolve weakened when the supposed aunt lamented his cruel treatment of the woman who had raised him from childhood. Breaking his vow, he allowed her entry.
The Dramatic Revelation
In this print, Yoshitoshi captures the climactic moment when the "aunt," having requested to see the severed arm, suddenly reveals her true demonic form. Ibaraki-dōji, disguised as Tsuna's elderly aunt, seizes her severed limb declaring, "This is my arm! I shall take it back!" Before Tsuna could react, she burst through the roof and vanished into the night sky.
Artistic Mastery
Yoshitoshi brilliantly renders this dramatic scene, showing the demon in mid-transformation, her white kimono and hair streaming behind her as she escapes. The artist's masterful use of texture and shading, particularly in the demon's supernatural features and flowing garments, creates a powerful sense of movement and otherworldly presence.
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