The Japanese legendary deity who drives away evil spirits and demons
Setsubun festivals are held all over Japan on February 3rd every year. I'll introduce you the legendary deity appearing in Setsubun festivals in Japan who drives away evil spirits and demons. The people who take on the role of portraying that deity wear a golden, four-eyed mask and red garment and repels the demons. In the Setsubun festival held at Nagahama Hatimangu shrine in Shiga Prefecture, we can see the legendary figure who wears a golden, four-eyed mask and red clothing, and has a shield and a spear. This figure is called Hosoushi in Japanese and has the role of driving away demons (ogres). Ogres are 'Oni' in Japanese and are unique Japanese monsters that appear in Japanese fairy tales and folklore. There are various theories as to why this figure has four eyes. As mentioned above, this legendary figure is called Hosoushi in Japanese. Hosou means four corners and shi is a specialist. He plays an...
