Tradition: Japanese Mythology
Alternative Names: Amanojaku, Amajaku, 天邪鬼
Category: Demon
The Myth
Amanojaku are wicked supernatural beings described as evil kami, minor oni, or yōkai. They are mischievous and malicious, particularly known for provoking people into acting upon the wicked and impious desires hidden within their hearts. Wherever they go, they spread spiritual pollution.
Amanojaku are also associated with ancient Japanese myths of wicked deities. Amanozako, Amenosagume, and Amenowakahiko all possess characteristics resembling the undermining nature of the Amanojaku, and they are commonly regarded as possible origins of the spirit.
Despite their ancient origins, Amanojaku became closely associated with Buddhist imagery. They are sometimes depicted as the demons being crushed beneath the feet of the Four Heavenly Kings, symbolizing wickedness being defeated by righteousness. Demonic faces decorating the armor of Bishamonten are likewise identified with Amanojaku.
The best-known legend involving an Amanojaku is the story of Uriko-hime. An elderly childless couple discovered a baby girl inside a melon and raised her as their daughter, naming her Uriko-hime. She grew into a beautiful young woman, and eventually a marriage proposal arrived for her. Her parents went into town to prepare her dowry and warned her not to open the door to anyone while they were away.
Soon after they left, someone knocked at the door and called for Uriko-hime to let them in. She refused. The voice then asked her to open the window just a little. Uriko-hime reluctantly opened it a crack, whereupon a long, clawed finger entered through the opening and smashed the window apart.
An Amanojaku leaped inside and attacked her. Uriko-hime fought desperately, biting and kicking the demon, but she was unable to overpower it. The Amanojaku eventually snapped her neck and killed her.
The demon then flayed Uriko-hime’s skin from her body and wore it like clothing. Hiding beneath her clothes and using her skin as a disguise, it impersonated the girl so convincingly that her parents were deceived when they returned home.
When the wedding day arrived, the elderly couple brought the disguised Amanojaku to her future husband. A crow sitting in a nearby tree suddenly warned them that the bride was not what she appeared to be. The couple seized the supposed Uriko-hime and held her down. They washed her body until the flayed skin came away, revealing the Amanojaku underneath.
The demon fled, but the elderly couple pursued it. Villagers joined the chase until a large crowd was pursuing the Amanojaku through the village. Eventually they caught it and attacked it with sticks, stones, and tools, beating the demon until it was covered in blood and died.
Sources
“Amanojaku.” Yokai.com: The Japanese Yokai Encyclopedia. Accessed September 12, 2026. https://yokai.com/amanojaku/