Shinobu Ohtaka’s latest series, Orient, establishes a dystopian alternate reality in which humanity has come under the control of a group of beings called Oni. These deities, including the more powerful Kishin, are closely linked to creatures contained within Japanese mythology, particularly those found within the Shinto and Buddhist religions.
Currently, after nine episodes being aired, fans of the show have seen a variety of different Oni, with three types of lesser gods and two Kishin being discovered by the series protagonists Musashi and Kojiro. However, only a few of these creatures have been fully shown, including the Cat Oni, Bull Oni and Red Kishin (Engoku Tengu).
Within Orient’s debut episode, “Musashi & Kojiro,” it’s revealed that Hinomoto’s Oni masters are not merciful gods but a group of hellish demons who seek to control humanity and their resources. After graduating, Musashi and his classmates venture to their local mine to begin their working life under their Oni leaders. However, they quickly discover that the beings they were taught about throughout their childhood have enslaved the miners of their hometown rather than providing them with a life of luxury. Consequently, Musashi and Kojiro proceed to defend their classmates and townspeople from the wrath of the cat-like Oni who begin to devour those around them.
In an interview with Anime News Network, Shinobu Ohtaka acknowledged that many of the show's demons were inspired by the “mythical beasts and creatures of east Asian countries like Japan and China.” The demon cat shown within the series debut episode is no exception, with the mangaka herself confirming that its appearance is directly linked to the mythical Nekomata. The Nekomata has been discussed within Japanese folklore since the Kamakura period (1233) and appeared even earlier within Chinese stories. While this creature's appearance and characteristics have adapted over the years, it's typically illustrated as a humanoid cat-like being with two tails.
Since the Edo period, it has generally been believed that the creation of a Nekomata occurs when a domestic cat grows old. The older and more abused a cat is prior to its transformation, the greater its powers become. A Nekomata is usually malevolent in nature and has been attributed with a range of powers, from assuming human appearances to raising the dead. While some of these characteristics have yet to be shown within Orient, this Oni’s cat-like appearance, two tails and transformation abilities are all signs that Ohtaka has paid a great deal of attention to the mythical creature.
In Episode 2, “Bushi’s Pride,” Musashi and Kojiro face an even greater opponent after defeating the troop of Oni. The Kishin, Engoku Tengu, descends from the sky in the form of a small armless bird. After eating the metal ores presented by its devotees, the creature transforms and becomes a towering red giant with six limbs. The name given to this Kishin indicates that its mythical origins derive from the legendary Tengu creature, who appears frequently throughout Japanese folklore. This figure combines the characteristics of humans, birds and monkeys, while its skin is often described as red in color.
Within Orient, Ohtaka has disassembled these attributes in an effort to create an entirely new creature while still paying homage to this Shinto god. Engoku Tengu does not have an enlarged nose or any resemblance to the monkey deity Sarutahiko Ōkami, which a Tengu is typically based upon. Instead, Ohtaka has separated both bird and human features into the red Kishin’s two forms.
In Episode 7, “You Can’t Survive Underwater,” another form of Oni presents itself shortly after Musashi and Kojiro test an assortment of Kitetsu Blades at a Bushi camp market. These creatures, which appear to have bull-like features, storm the area and attempt to charge at Musashi. However, as he was previously unable to obtain a Kitetsu, he is left defenseless and is saved by Kojiro just before he is attacked.
The Ushi-Oni has the greatest resemblance to the creature shown in this episode, having an ox-like head, horns and spider-like limbs. Within Japanese folklore, the Ushi-Oni are described as having savage personalities and a tendency to kill and eat humans. These creatures typically work together in groups and often reside near water, specifically by the coasts of the islands of northern Kyūshū and western Honshu. Orient's rendition of this creature is distinct from typical depictions of Ushi-Oni by only having four limbs (instead of six) and an inability to spit poison, and it's shown on land rather than water. However, Ohtaka’s depiction resembles this ox-like demon far too much for it to be a coincidence.
Currently, very little information about the origins and powers of the Oni and Kishin have been revealed. While some people have been disappointed by the show’s animation style and character depth, the mystery surrounding the Oni is arguably one of the series’ most engaging features. As the show develops, viewers will hopefully be treated to more details about these creatures' provenance and their connection to the mythology and religions of Japan.
