The Ghostly Encounter at Yatori River: Omori Hikoshichi's Supernatural Battle

From Tsukioka Yoshitoshi's "New Forms of Thirty-six Ghosts" Series

The Historical Context

This dramatic print depicts a supernatural encounter involving Omori Hikoshichi (Morinaga), a Northern Court warrior during Japan's tumultuous Nanboku-chō period. After forcing the legendary Southern Court commander Kusunoki Masashige to commit ritual suicide at the Battle of Minatogawa in 1336, Hikoshichi was traveling to celebrate his victory when fate intervened.

Omori Hikoshichi Encountering a Specter on the Road

The Fateful Crossing

At twilight, while approaching the swift-flowing Yatori River, Hikoshichi encountered what appeared to be a beautiful young woman requesting assistance to cross the treacherous waters. Demonstrating samurai chivalry, he offered to carry her across on his back.

The Supernatural Revelation

Midway across the river, Hikoshichi noticed something alarming reflected in the water below: his passenger's true form was revealed as a horrific demon, with horns protruding from disheveled hair and a mouth split ear to ear. This was no ordinary demon, but the vengeful spirit of Kusunoki Masashige himself.

The Warrior's Trial

Rather than succumbing to terror, Hikoshichi engaged in a fierce struggle with the supernatural being. According to the Taiheiki, Japan's epic historical chronicle, this encounter was but the first of seven supernatural attacks that nearly drove the warrior to madness, until he finally found salvation through the divine protection of the Great Prajna Sutra.

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