Onihitokuchi
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Onihitokuchi (鬼一口 Onihitokuchi, lit. Demon Bite) is a yokai created by Toho that first appeared in episode 92 of the 1974 tokusatsu yokai series, Go! Ushiwaka Kotaro.
Name
Onihitokuchi is adapted from a creature of the same name which exists in Japanese uta monogatari, or folklore. Its name is a combination of the Japanese words oni (鬼), meaning demon, and hitokuchi (一口), meaning bite or mouthful.
Appearance
The Onihitokuchi's body is primarily composed of its giant, orange head, which appears similar to that of a dragon. It has a huge gaping mouth, which is nearly the same height as its entire body when fully opened, and is fitted with several sharp teeth. Atop its head are two small, grey horns which curve inwards, as well as comparatively small eyes and bushy, black eyebrows just above its mouth. Onihitokuchi lacks arms entirely, but does possess grey human-like legs.
History
Showa Series
Go! Ushiwaka Kotaro
Volume of Onihitokuchi
Onihitokuchi appears sitting atop a leafy field, and is approached by Kounjo, who begins to inspect the creature's teeth with her sword, prompting him to bite down on her. Quickly escaping the yokai's maw, Kounjo instructs him to strike Ushiwaka Kotaro and his companions. Suddenly, as Kotaro, Uragira, and Nyudou are walking through a field, Unihitokuchi jumps out and begins to chase down Uragira and Nyudou whilst ominously biting at them. As Nyudou falls to the ground, Onihitokuchi continues pursuing Uragira, who is eventually caught in the monster's jaws. Kotaro quickly acts to free his comrade, pushing Uragira out of the yokai's mouth and propping it open with his naginata. Although unable to successfully bite down, Onihitokuchi continues to chase after the bunch. As the creature continues to lunge at Kotaro, the hero dodges and soon chops the naginata out from Onihitokuchi's mouth, knocking out its front teeth in the process. Furiously, Onihitokuchi barrels toward Kotaro, but soon decides to turn to Uragira and Nyudou. As the two are chased into a small clearing, Kounjo appears and blocks the only escape, leaving Uragira and Nyudo trapped. With some quick thinking, Kotaro requests Nyudou to throw his club to him, to which he complies. Now wielding Nyudou's club, Kotaro leaps toward Onihitokuchi and bashes its remaining teeth out. Fearing defeat, Konjou and the yokai attempt to escape, but Kotaro manages to catch up and knock one of Onihitokuchi's horns off, causing it to combust into a display of smoke and flame.
Abilities
- Due to not possessing arms or any special abilities, Onihitokuchi's only weapons in combat are his giant mouth and sharp teeth, which were shown to be large enough to devour a humanoid.
Weaknesses
- Onihitokuchi's teeth are seemingly very fragile, easily knocked out by Ushiwaka Kotaro's naginata and Nyoudou's club.
- Onihitokuchi's primary weakness is his horns, as just knocking off one of them was enough to cause the yokai to explode.
Gallery
- Main article: Onihitokuchi/Gallery.
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