Uwajima Ushi-oni Hariko (Papier-Mâché)
Uwajima Ushioni Hariko (Papier-mâché Ushioni Demon-Bull Toys)
Uwajima Ushi-oni Hariko is a folk toy made of hariko (papier-mâché) in the shape of the ushi-oni (demon-bull festival float) that appears at festivals in Uwajima City, Ehime Prefecture. The ushi-oni is a large procession float with a demon-like face and a long neck, and it drives away evil by poking its head under the eaves of houses. Hariko ushi-oni have been displayed in homes as talismans against evil and have also been loved as festival souvenirs. It is designated a Traditional Specialty Product (designated by Ehime Prefecture). It is made by pasting many layers of washi (Japanese paper) over a mold, and horsehair is used for the whiskers. よしを民芸店 in Uwajima City, founded shortly after the war, has continued to make them, and its second-generation owner, 宇都宮よしを, has been introduced as the only Ehime Traditional Craftsperson making hariko ushi-oni. However, in the list of contacts for Traditional Specialty Products released by Ehime Prefecture in March 2026, Uwajima Ushi-oni Hariko is listed as 'kyugyo' (closed for business).
Origin
The ushi-oni is a procession float that appears at the summer and autumn festivals of shrines around Uwajima, and it is said to have originated from being paraded to drive away evil at festivals around the Edo period. Uwajima Ushi-oni Hariko are modeled on this ushi-oni. There were also toys with which children played at festivals, placing the body on their heads and moving the face with the bamboo stick in the neck.
History
よしを民芸店 is said to have been founded shortly after the war by the previous owner, 善男. Until around the 1960s, whatever was made would sell, and there were about five craftspeople. At its peak the whole family worked on production, but in recent years the second-generation owner, 宇都宮よしを, has handled all the steps alone. There was also a period when orders came in from all over the country after the shop was featured in a magazine. In recent years plastic and cardboard ushi-oni have also become widespread, but 宇都宮 has remained committed to making them with washi.
Features
The paper used is Senka-shi, made in Nomura-cho, Seiyo City, Ehime Prefecture, and the toys are made mainly from washi alone. Natural materials such as straw and horsehair are used for the ushi-oni's horns and hair. The maker says that because paper 'tears' (sakeru), it is linked to 'avoiding' (sakeru), and thus to warding off evil and misfortune. It takes more than two weeks to complete one.
Materials Used
Production Process
- 1
Layering
Many sheets of washi coated with paste are layered onto a mold made of clay. Senka-shi is used for the washi, and newspaper was also used in the past.
- 2
Removing the Mold
Once dry, a cut is made and the mold inside is removed. This step is called 'osan' (childbirth). The cut is glued back together, the shape is adjusted, and it is dried again.
- 3
Coloring and Finishing
It is colored and finished with a coat of lacquer paint. Because drying time is needed between each step, it takes more than two weeks to complete. Straw and horsehair are attached for the ushi-oni's horns, hair and whiskers.
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Artisans & Workshops
よしを民芸店（宇都宮よしを）
A folk craft shop in Chuo-cho, Uwajima City. The second-generation owner, 宇都宮よしを, has helped with their father's work since elementary school. In addition to ushi-oni, the shop also makes deer masks for the Yatsushika Odori (Eight Deer Dance). According to Ehime Prefecture materials as of March 2026, Uwajima Ushi-oni Hariko is listed as 'kyugyo' (closed for business).
How to Buy
- よしを民芸店（愛媛県宇和島市中央町1-3-3）
- A 2021 article introduced the ushi-oni hariko 'Buyare' and small deer masks at 2,500 yen each (excluding tax), and said orders had a wait of several months. Since prefectural materials now list it as closed for business, you need to check in advance whether they can be obtained.
FAQ
Q. At what festival can I see ushi-oni?
A. In Uwajima City, the Uwajima Ushi-oni Festival is held every year from July 22 to 24, and a number of ushi-oni parade through the city. The festival ushi-oni are large procession floats with bamboo frames, said to be about 5 to 6 meters long in total.
Q. Are there other folk toys that have been made alongside ushi-oni?
A. At Uwajima festivals, the Yatsushika Odori (Eight Deer Dance) is dedicated along with the ushi-oni. In it, children wearing deer masks sing and dance while beating drums on their chests. よしを民芸店 has also made deer masks associated with this dance, as well as '立ち鈴鹿.'