Name Meaning
Akki (悪鬼) translates directly to “evil spirit” or “wicked demon.” It is another name for a particularly malevolent form of oni, known for cruelty, chaos, and terror.
- Aku (悪) = Evil
- Ki (鬼) = Demon/Oni → “Evil Oni” or “Wicked Spirit”
Origin
- Found throughout Japanese mythological texts and Buddhist scriptures.
- Often invoked in exorcisms and stories as representations of extreme vice or karmic punishment.
Appearance
- Massive, muscular oni with sharp claws, wild hair, and red or blue skin.
- Fanged mouths, often wielding iron clubs (kanabō).
- Frequently depicted with horns and animal pelts, symbolizing primal violence.
Behavior & Symbolism
- Symbolizes uncontrolled rage, punishment, and chaos.
- Appears in Buddhist tales as beings who torment sinners in the underworld (Jigoku).
- In folktales, serves as a cautionary figure, representing the consequences of greed or violence.
In Yōkai Lore
- Often interchangeable with oni in pop culture, but with an emphasis on moral evil or wrath.
- Depictions vary from tragic guardians to ruthless hunters of souls.
