Momiji (oni)

In the story, the hero, Taira no Koremochi [ja], fights and defeats the kijo named Momiji.

A common element of many versions of the legend is that the demon lives on Mount Togakushi, a mountain in Shinano Province, and it is defeated and killed by Taira no Koremochi.

In Kabuki play "Momijigari" (1887) by Kawatake Mokuami, which was based on the Noh version, the name of the maple leaf kijo is Sarashinahime/Princess Sarashina (更科姫).

In November 1899 a short scene from the play, performed by famous Kabuki actors Kikugorō and Danjūrō, was filmed by pioneering Japanese filmmaker Shibata Tsunekichi.

The bandit gang was defeated by the army of Taira no Koremochi, with Emperor Reizei issuing an edict dispatching them.

In order to defeat the Kijo in battle Taira no Koremochi offered up a prayer to the gods and was bestowed with the Demon Conquering Spirit Sword (Gouma no Reiken).