Tradition: Japanese mythology
Alternative Names: Oni no Nembutsu, Demon Soliciting Alms
Category: Demon
The Myth
The Oni no Nembutsu is a mischievous demon depicted as an oni dressed in the robes of a Buddhist priest and begging for alms.
The creature belongs to the tradition of the oni, supernatural demons commonly portrayed as frightening but also capable of humorous and mischievous behavior. In the depiction, the demon takes on the appearance and role of a Buddhist religious figure, humorously placing a fearsome supernatural being in the position of a priest who depends upon others for offerings.
The figure was used in the popular tradition of Otsu-e, where mischievous demons could be portrayed in humorous situations and accompanied by moralizing text. The image of the demon dressed as a priest and soliciting alms became one of these humorous supernatural subjects.
Sources
University of Michigan Museum of Art. “Ôtsu-e: Demon Soliciting Alms (Oni no Nembutsu).” University of Michigan Museum of Art. 18th century. Accession no. 1964/2.102. Accessed September 6, 2026. https://umma.umich.edu/objects/otsu-e-demon-soliciting-alms-oni-no-nembutsu-1964-2-102/