DEMON MASKS

otobide O-tobide

O-tobide means a startled expression. It features big eyes and a wide open mouth. It is said that O-tobide was incarnated from a public servant and became the god of thunder. It is used for roles of demons who move rapidly and violently.

obeshimi O-beshimi

Face of the mythical tengu. Beshimi means mouth clamped firmly shut. Thus, in spite of the obstinate expression humor and bluster are manifested.

kobeshimi Ko-beshimi

Ko-beshimi has a similar expression to O-beshimi. It features a grim countenance and reddish face. Ko-beshimi is used for sorrowful demons.

akujo-beshimi Akujo-beshimi

Generally, "Aku" means vice or evil but this "Aku" implies ferociousness fearful. Therefore, it is understood that the Beshimi-Akujo mask is a face of fearful aged god.

kojishi Ko-jishi

In Noh, Shishi means lion is also treated as an elfin-like being. The Ko-jishi is a gold mask, similar to Shikami or Shishi-guchi mask.

ojishi O-jishi

It is used for the parent of Ko-jishi. Shishi (jishi) means lion and also used for two or more lions at a scene of the play.

shishiguchi Shishi-guchi

Shishi-guchi means lion's mouth. Face of the mythical barking lion-dog. The Shishi-guchi mask is used for the lion spirit in Scene II of Shakkyo from the play that all Kabuki lion dances are derived.

shikami Shikami

Fierce scowling face, showing extreme agitation, used for demonic spirit. It expresses masculine rage. Shikami mask features the application of dark red color to crow's-feet and temples of the head.

shishiguchi Ko-tobide

Ko-tobide has a ferocious expression with eyes bulging and mouth open. It is small-sized O-tobide without ears. It is used for roles of the fox spirit and demons.

oakujo O-akujo

O-akujo expresses a face of a fearful god. It features its massive nose and thick eyebrows. The mask indicates the momentary expression of an exaggerated passion.

ikazuchi Ikazuchi

Ikazuchi means thunder. Ikazuchi was transformed from Shikami Mask and it features thunderbolt-shaped carvings around the mouth. This is the only mask that has unique carvings of bumps on its eyebrows.

yakan Yakan

Yakan or Field Fox is used to portray a malevolent spirit residing inside a rock. In the play Sesshoseki (Death Rock), the character renounces evil when offered forgiveness by a traveling prist.

hanakobu-akujo Hanakobu-akujo

Hanakobu-akujo is relatively larger than other Noh masks. Hanakobu-akujo features the V shaped upheaved furrows and it does not have lower teeth. It was believed that Hanakobu-akujo used to indicate the deep link between Noh masks and Shintoism.