Among the most powerful and feared yokai in Japanese folklore stands Otakemaru (大嶽丸).

Today, we will explore this legendary oni known for his immense strength, magical powers, and long-standing enmity with humanity.

Otakemaru is a mythical creature who appears in Japanese folklore as a powerful oni (demon or ogre). He is often considered one of the Three Great Evil Yokai of Japan, alongside Shuten-dōji and Tamamo-no-Mae (though in some traditions, the exiled emperor Sutoku replaces him).

According to the legends, Otakemaru resided in the Suzuka Mountains, terrorising the area by waylaying travellers and seizing tribute intended for the capital. His ability to command dark magic and summon storms made him an unstoppable force feared by both commoners and the imperial court.

The most well-known story involving Otakemaru takes place during the reign of Emperor Kanmu (781–806). At that time, Otakemaru had established himself as a menace in the Suzuka Mountains, using his supernatural powers to summon storms, cause destruction, and rob imperial envoys.

In response, the emperor dispatched the general Sakanoue no Tamuramaro, who would later become the Sei-i Taishōgun, to defeat him. However, Otakemaru was no ordinary enemy. He used sorcery to escape capture, hiding in the clouds and wielding the power of fire and thunder. He even possessed the ability to resurrect himself and to create countless copies of himself, taking the form of thousands of oni.

Unable to defeat Otakemaru through military might alone, Tamuramaro sought the help of Suzuka Gozen, a mysterious celestial maiden (tennyo) or in some versions, a thief or even an oni herself. She agreed to aid him on the condition that he marry her after their victory.

Using her charm and wits, Suzuka Gozen infiltrated Otakemaru’s mountain stronghold and stole two of the three magical swords that granted him his power. She then guided Tamuramaro into the castle, where they encountered the demon in his terrifying form—a ten-metre-tall oni with glowing eyes and white hair.

With Suzuka Gozen’s help, Tamuramaro was able to cut off Otakemaru’s head using the remaining sacred sword. The severed head was then brought to the capital, and peace was restored to the region.

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Otakemaru is said to have possessed incredible supernatural abilities, including:

• Dark magic and sorcery
• Summoning storms and fire
• Shapeshifting
• Flight
• Immortality and resurrection
• Replication into thousands of oni
• Expert swordsmanship
• Divine power

These abilities made him one of the most dangerous beings in Japanese folklore.

Otakemaru/Ootakemaru comparison to other Oni

Otakemaru is often counted among the Three Great Evil Yokai of Japan, a trio of powerful and malevolent spirits that appear across various legends. The other two are:

• Shuten-dōji: A drunken ogre king of Mount Ōe
• Tamamo-no-Mae: A beautiful courtesan possessed by a nine-tailed fox spirit

In some lists, Sutoku Tennō, a vengeful ghost of an exiled emperor, replaces Otakemaru, reflecting the fluid nature of oral traditions in Japanese folklore.

Otakemaru/Ootakemaru in Modern Culture

Otakemaru’s legend has continued to inspire artists, writers, and game developers. He appears in various modern works, including:

• Nioh 2 (Koei Tecmo): Featured as a major antagonist and boss battle
• Onmyōji: A popular mobile game featuring him as a playable yokai
• Fate/Extra CCC FoxTail (manga): Referenced in relation to Suzuka Gozen

His image as a demonic warrior, clad in armour and shrouded in supernatural power, remains popular in Japanese fantasy and horror genres.

Evil, but powerful warrior is still…

As a symbol of chaos and resistance to authority, he embodies the darker side of Japanese folklore, doesn’t he?

Anyway, whether viewed as a fearsome villain or a misunderstood spirit, Otakemaru continues to fascinate those who explore the ancient legends of Japan…