Oni tattoos, the Japanese demon

Oni are evil or protective depending on the context

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Oni tattoos are based on one of the most fascinating youkai in Japan. In fact, they are so related to the culture of that place that they can be found in countless legends, in which they take many different forms and even characters.

In this article on oni tattoos we will talk about the different types of demons that exist, as well as some of their most famous stories, and we will also talk about how to take advantage of them in a tattoo. And, if you are left wanting more, we recommend this article on the hannya tattoo.

Who are the oni?

Oni scene tattoo on arm

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The oni are some very peculiar demons of Japanese culture, since, although they share a series of characteristics, there are also many types. To begin with, although they tend to be mean and quite violent, they sometimes adopt a protective role, depending on the place and the story being told.

A kawaii style oni

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It is believed that the origin of the oni is not strictly Japanese, and that their presence was probably introduced in Japan thanks to Chinese influence, which would explain why in some stories they were converted to Buddhism, a religion that came to the archipelago precisely thanks to its neighbors.

Oni tattoo on the side

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As for the physical aspect, they have the appearance of an ogre, large crooked teeth, horns on the head more or less large (from two tiny and adorable horns to fearsome bull horns) and a lot of different skin colors, although the most common are red, blue and yellow. They are also said to wear tiger skins.

A cover with a blue oni

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In fact, it is believed that these beings guard the gate of hell, which is to the northeast (a cardinal point traditionally considered unlucky). According to the Chinese calendar, this direction would be between the cow and the tiger, two of the animals on their calendar with which they also divide directions, which would explain the horns and tiger skins they wear.

Oni tattoos are based on a Japanese demon or ogre

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The oni, by the way, They have two genders, since they can be male, in the shape of an ogre and usually accompanied by a kind of bat with spikes, and the hannya, or female onis., which have neither more nor less than a human origin, since they are women consumed by jealousy who have become this vengeful spirit.

Momotaro, the child born from a peach

Huge oni tattoo on the back

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One of the most famous stories in which onis are found is that of Momotaro. Legend has it that an old man and an old woman lived very quietly on the mountain. One day, the woman went to wash clothes in the river and found a giant peach coming down the stream. Impressed, she took it home, where, together with her husband, they opened it for a snack.

Oni and samurai in japanese style tattoo

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But what was their surprise when inside they found a boy they named Momotaro (momo means 'peach' in Japanese). growing up, the young man hears of an island full of oni where they enslave people, they eat it and on top of that they steal their belongings. With the help of a monkey, a pheasant and a dog that, in addition to talking, are very nice and brave, Momotaro captures the leader of the oni and returns the treasures to their rightful owners.

Meaning of oni tattoos

Oni's character

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Although it is believed that the oni are fundamentally evil and cruel, the truth is that the meaning of the tattoo does not have to be bad. The oni, in fact, They are a great inspiration to represent a Japanese scene from a story that we like (either "Momotaro" or any other, as you have seen, there are onis for all tastes).

Lamu puts an anime spin on the horns and traditional clothing of these beings

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The meaning with which this type of tattoo is related is equally diverse. For example, it is believed that these tattoos can ward off bad luck or protect you (As we said before, sometimes the oni take on a rather protective meaning, although it is a fairly modern meaning).

An outlined oni

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On the other hand, an oni can represent your control over a darker part of you, which you need to recognize so as not to let it dominate you.

And, finally, the oni They are also associated with punishment for injustice., again, a meaning more related to protection, although without forgetting the violence that characterizes them.

How to make the most of oni tattoos

Oni mask tattoo

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the oni They give a lot of play in a tattoo, as we will see below. In order to get the most out of them in your design, there are several things you'd better keep in mind:

Black and white realistic oni

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  • Although oni tattoos certainly they cry out for you to use a traditional Japanese style to get the most out of them, although in smaller pieces you can also opt for a simpler style, kawaii, with bright colors and clear lines.
Oni mask on the leg

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  • Regarding the colors, as we said at the beginning, the skin of the oni can be of various colors, something fundamental to take into account when choosing the design and the other colors that will accompany it.
Beautiful oni tattoo on the knees

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  • Furthermore, regarding the content, you can be inspired by famous onis (like the villain of "Momotaro", although you can give this Japanese youkai a funny twist. For example Lamu, from the mythical anime of the nineties, took the typical elements of the oni (tiger horns and clothes) to create something new.

A hannya, the female version of the oni

  • Finally, ehe size can also determine which oni tattoo to opt for. A small size, for example, is ideal for simple tattoos, where the oni is a monkey or a mask, for example. Larger tattoos, on the other hand, can show more complex scenes and are accompanied by flowers, waves, other characters...
pink oni

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Oni tattoos feature one of the best-known Japanese devils or ogres in a very rich culture of these beings. Tell us, did you know the oni? And the story of Momotaro? How do you plan to show them in a tattoo?

oni tattoo photos


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