Tradition: Japanese mythology
Alternative Names: Karajishi Dōji, Chinese Lion Boy
Category: Demon, Lion
The Myth
Karajishi Dōji is the leader of the demons in the Edo-period picture book Saru no Yamairi Karajishi Dōji. In the story, the characters from the legend of Minamoto no Yorimitsu and his retainers defeating Shuten-dōji are replaced by animals, with Karajishi Dōji taking the role of Shuten-dōji, the leader of the demons.
The warriors who oppose him are represented by a monkey, corresponding to Minamoto no Yorimitsu, accompanied by four animal warriors: a dragon representing Watanabe no Tsuna, a horse representing Sakata Kintoki, a rat representing Usui Sadamitsu, and a rabbit representing Urabe Suetake. A lone boar represents Hirai Yasumasa.
The conflict begins at Rashōmon, where the dragon and rat confront a tiger representing Ibaraki Dōji. They succeed in cutting off the tiger’s arm, but the tiger and a sheep recover the severed arm and take it away.
The monkey and his companions pursue them into the mountains. Disguised as mountain ascetics, they reach the stronghold of Karajishi Dōji and are invited into his mansion. To gain the demon boy’s trust and lower his guard, the group performs a monkey show for him.
When the opportunity arises, the monkey and his companions launch their attack. With the assistance of Sannō Gongen, the guardian deity of Mount Hiei whose messengers are monkeys, they scatter Karajishi Dōji and his demonic followers, represented by the tiger, sheep, and dogs.
Sources
Takahashi, Toshihiro. “唐獅子童子 [からじしどうじ] (Karajishi Dōji).” 新版TYZ 妖怪図鑑 (New TYZ Yokai Encyclopedia). September 24, 2016. https://tyz-yokai.blog.jp/archives/1061255510.html