Oni are the horned demons of Japanese folklore, chased out every Setsubun and slain by legendary swords. Here is their story, and our Oni wooden katana.
In this story · この物語の品
Not every great katana belongs to an anime hero. The Oni katana takes its look from Japan's oldest monsters: the horned demons called oni.
What is an oni?
In Japanese folklore, oni are huge, horned demons, often shown with red or blue skin, wild hair, fangs and an iron club called a kanabō. They appear in old tales, temple art and festivals, and as fearsome masks on stage and in samurai armour.
There is even a proverb about them: oni ni kanabō, "an iron club for an oni", meaning to give something already strong an extra advantage.
Oni and Setsubun
Every year on Setsubun, at the start of spring in early February, families in Japan throw roasted soybeans at someone wearing an oni mask, shouting "Oni wa soto! Fuku wa uchi!": "Demons out! Luck in!" It is one of Japan's best-loved traditions.
The sword that slew an oni
The most famous oni of all is Shuten-dōji, the demon king of Mount Ōe. Legend says the warrior Minamoto no Raikō killed him with a sword later named Dōjigiri Yasutsuna, "the Dōji-cutter". It is counted among the Five Swords Under Heaven, Japan's most celebrated blades, and is a National Treasure today.
The Oni wooden katana
- Oni wooden katana (₹1999): a fierce horned demon mask at the guard, a bronze-tone flower tsuba with white ring accents and a white diamond-wrap handle. The glossy white scabbard carries hand-painted indigo branch motifs and golden-yellow end caps.
It is about 104 cm long with a decorative, non-sharp blade. Because it isn't tied to a single character, it suits any anime fan, cosplayer or Japanese-themed room.
Display ideas
- On its own: the white scabbard stands out against a dark wall, on a single desk stand.
- Demons and slayers: pair it with Tanjiro's katana on a double wall mount.
- Japanese room: with low furniture, warm light and a single print, it becomes the centrepiece.
Did you know?
- The demon masks of Noh theatre, such as the horned hannya, are some of the most famous images of Japanese demons.
- Samurai sometimes wore fierce face guards, called menpō, to look more frightening in battle.
- The five Swords Under Heaven are Dōjigiri, Onimaru, Mikazuki, Ōdenta and Juzumaru, and two of them carry oni legends.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Oni katana from an anime?
No. It is an original oni-inspired design, which is why it fits any collection.
Is the blade sharp?
No. All our katanas are display pieces with decorative, non-sharp blades, made for walls, desks, collections and cosplay. They are not for sparring or cutting.
Does it come with a stand?
Stands are sold separately: single, double and triple desk stands, or a double or triple wall mount. All fit our 104 cm katanas.
Delivery, COD and gift wrap
Every order ships across India, usually arriving in 2–7 days after dispatch (within about 48 hours). Pay online, or choose partial COD: a small advance online and the rest in cash on delivery. Gift wrap is available at checkout. If an item arrives damaged, report it within 3 days with an unboxing video and we replace it free.
