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Description: The oni are a type of Japanese folklore yokai, translated as demons, devils, ogres or trolls. They are strong and unbeatable creatures and are often depicted wearing tiger skin loincloths and carrying iron sticks called kanabō. The northeast direction in Japan is considered demonic and many temples are built facing that cardinal point. Some villages hold annual ceremonies to ward off the oni. However, sometimes the oni acts as a protector. For example, the oni lead the Japanese parades to ward off bad luck. Japanese buildings occasionally include oni-faced shingles called onigawara to ward off bad luck.
Description: Yuki-onna (雪女) is a spirit or yōkai in Japanese folklore. Some legends say the Yuki-onna, being associated with winter and snowstorms, is the spirit of someone who perished in the snow. She is at the same time beautiful and serene, yet ruthless in killing unsuspecting mortals. Until the 18th century, she was almost uniformly portrayed as evil. Today, however, stories often color her as more human, emphasizing her ghost-like nature and ephemeral beauty.
