Itaoni, as the name suggests, is a “demon of boards.” It is likely that there is an invisible demon attached to the board. As a result, it may have become a yokai that harms people. In Japanese.
Characteristics as a Tsukumogami
Itaoni is seen as a type of tsukumogami that attaches itself to the boards of wooden houses. It particularly resides in boards, floors, and walls. One of the characteristics of Itaoni is that it can have malicious intent and cause harm to people. It may also make creaking noises or cause structural abnormalities in buildings.
In this way, Itaoni can trigger inexplicable phenomena within homes and has been feared as a yokai that inhabits old houses. This tendency is especially noted in older homes, which has led to the belief that it is a type of tsukumogami.
Is Itaoni a tsukumogami?
Tsukumogami refers to the phenomenon where objects that have existed for 100 years become yokai. However, in the case of wooden structures, most wouldn’t last that long unless they are designated important cultural properties or national treasures. On the other hand, the idea that boards can become yokai suggests that they may indeed be considered tsukumogami.
It’s possible that boards, being reusable, were incorporated into new wooden buildings after aging for 100 years. Many shrines and temples also have long histories, so it’s conceivable that boards from such structures became tsukumogami through that process.
Tsukumogami are believed to influence the fortune of a household. Itaoni, in particular, seems to have a decidedly negative impact on homes.
Malicious Acts of Itaoni
The story of Itaoni in the Konjaku Monogatari is indeed a well-known example that illustrates the beliefs surrounding this yokai. The phenomena you mentioned from the Edo period reflect the typical disturbances attributed to Itaoni, highlighting the fears and experiences of people living in old wooden houses.
1. Repairs Fail: The fact that even after fixing an old floor, it would soon break or warp again indicates a persistent, unseen force at work, which people attributed to Itaoni.
2. Creaking Sounds: The sounds of boards creaking at night, as if they were moving on their own, would create an eerie atmosphere and reinforce the belief in the supernatural.
3. Crawling Noises: The sound of something crawling beneath the floor adds to the sense of unease and suggests an active presence within the home.
Itaoni Recorded in the Konjaku Monogatari
During the Heian period, samurai had a role called “Tonoi.” The main responsibilities of Tonoi included guarding the imperial court and noble residences. This involved night patrols to protect nobles and their property from dangers such as intruders, fires, and theft. Since their vigilance lasted through the night, they likely encountered many strange phenomena.
It describes the scene when the samurai encountered Itaoni like this.
Once upon a time, two young samurai were on night watch in a room facing south. As they conversed and shared stories, they noticed a strange board sticking up from the roof, which seemed impossible. They wondered if it was someone trying to start a fire by climbing onto the roof.
As they observed the board, it suddenly appeared to fly towards them. The samurai thought, “This must be a demon,” and drew their katanas, preparing to defend themselves. However, instead of approaching them, the board slipped through the gap in the nearby lattice and into the room.
As they watched this happen, they heard a muffled sound coming from where a fifth-ranking samurai had been sleeping. It seemed as if he was being pressed down by something. When the two samurai rushed to alert others, they found that the fifth-ranking samurai had been killed. The board was nowhere to be seen, and the people present were filled with fear at the sight.
Reflecting on the incident, it became clear that the two samurai, despite their weapons, could not confront the supernatural force. This event led to a belief that there was indeed a demon residing in the house. From that point on, it became customary for men to carry weapons, as everyone shared the story of that night, passing it down through generations.
Konjaku Monogatari, Volume 27, Story 18: The Tale of the Demon Who Came and Killed a Man
Regional Characteristics of Itaoni
Kyoto and Nara
In the ancient capital of Kyoto, many wooden structures remain. It seems that many people believed that “something is present” in old wooden doors, shoji screens, and floorboards. In one temple, it was said that on rainy nights, the floorboards would creak, and when the sounds stopped, something ominous would inevitably occur.
Tohoku region
In the Tohoku region, the harsh natural environment made homes play a very important role. As a result, many houses have endured for a long time, leading to not only the presence of Itaoni but also many tsukumogami from old tools. It seems there was a special significance attached to ceiling boards, as touching them was believed to bring misfortune.
Hokuriku region
The Hokuriku region, due to its climate, is prone to the rapid deterioration of wooden houses. As a result, parts of the buildings would sometimes creak or shift. This was often interpreted as the work of Itaoni.
Shikoku region
Shikoku is known for the Shikoku 88 Pilgrimage and has a strong tradition of mountain worship, which creates a deep connection between nature and yokai. There is a theory that Itaoni is described as an existence born from the spirits of nature residing in the wood used in homes, maintaining that power over time. Unlike in the Tohoku region, it seems that in Shikoku, even pillars were thought to become Itaoni.
Summary
The board itself does not move on its own. Instead, it is believed that a spiritual presence or an invisible oni attaches to the board, becoming Itaoni. This entity influences the fortune of the home and likely has a negative impact.
As mentioned in the Konjaku Monogatari, Itaoni is undoubtedly a yokai known to people since ancient times. Whether it is classified as a demon or a tsukumogami is unclear, but it is certain that it is a yokai that harms humans.
コメント