Japanese Lion Mythology Archives

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.

Tradition / Region: Japan (Edo-period yōkai scrolls)
Alternate Names: —
Category: Yōkai / Lion / Dog

The Myth

In illustrated yōkai scrolls from Japan, a creature known as the Nurikabe appears in a form unlike the better-known invisible wall of later folklore. This Nurikabe is a tangible beast with four legs and a powerful body. Its most striking feature is its enormous face, which bears three eyes that shine with an unnatural blue light. It has large, drooping ears like those of an elephant and two black tusks that curve outward. Its body is painted white, giving it a ghostly and imposing appearance. Some describe it as resembling a dog or a lion, though it does not fully match any known animal.

In the scrolls where it appears, the Nurikabe is shown near crashing waves. Behind it emerge figures such as Umi-otoko, a human seaman, and Umi-bōzu, a fearsome sea spirit. This setting places the Nurikabe at the boundary between land and sea, standing where the human world meets the supernatural. It does not act directly against the figures shown, but its presence dominates the scene, suggesting a powerful being that guards or obstructs passage.

The scroll depicting this Nurikabe is dated to the early nineteenth century. No clear written legend accompanies it, and its precise origin is unknown. It is uncertain whether this beast represents a specific local tradition or whether it was created by the artist as a yōkai form inspired by existing beliefs. Its connection to the later Nurikabe known for blocking travelers’ paths is not clearly stated in the original material.

As it appears in the scroll, the Nurikabe remains an enigmatic creature: a massive, watchful being standing firm amid waves and spirits, neither clearly hostile nor welcoming, marking a place where movement forward is uncertain and dangerous.

Karajishi Dōji

The Myth

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Nurikabe

The Myth

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