Hōsōshi: The Four-Eyed Exorcist of Ancient Japan
When travelers think of Japanese festivals, images of throwing beans at demons during Setsubun often come to mind. But few realize that before the beans, there was a terrifying, four-eyed figure charged with cleansing the Imperial Court of evil. This figure is the Hōsōshi (方相氏), an ancient exorcist whose role has dramatically shifted over the centuries from a revered guardian to a misunderstood outcast of folklore.
For cultural enthusiasts and history buffs exploring Japan, understanding the Hōsōshi offers a fascinating glimpse into the Heian period’s spirituality and the evolution of Japanese mythology.
The Origins: A Guardian from the Continent
Like many aspects of early Japanese high culture, the concept of the Hōsōshi originated in China. Known as Fangxiangshi in Chinese, this figure was an official exorcist employed during the Zhou Dynasty. The tradition crossed the sea to Japan during the Asuka and Nara periods, becoming deeply integrated into Imperial Court rituals by the Heian period (794–1185).
The Hōsōshi was the central figure of the Tsuina (追儺), a court ritual performed on New Year’s Eve (according to the lunar calendar) to drive away pestilence and malevolent spirits. In these early days, the Hōsōshi was not a monster, but a shamanistic official of high rank, tasked with the spiritual sanitation of the palace.
Visually, the Hōsōshi was designed to be intimidating. Historical texts describe him wearing a bearskin over his head and a distinctive mask featuring four golden eyes—two to see the physical world and two to perceive the spiritual realm. Dressed in black and red robes, he wielded a lance in his right hand and a shield in his left, chanting and stomping to scare away the invisible demons of disease.
The Legend: From Exorcist to Demon
The story of the Hōsōshi is one of the most ironic twists in Japanese folklore. Initially, during the Tsuina ceremony, the Hōsōshi would lead a procession of court officials, shouting to chase away invisible demons. However, as the centuries passed, the perception of this figure began to warp.
By the 9th or 10th century, the ritual began to change. The Hōsōshi’s appearance was so grotesque and terrifying that the onlookers and lower-ranking participants began to confuse the exorcist with the demons he was supposed to be chasing. In a dramatic cultural inversion, the court nobles eventually started chasing the Hōsōshi himself out of the palace, believing him to be an Oni (demon).
This shift laid the groundwork for the modern Setsubun festival. The Tsuina ceremony evolved into Mamemaki (bean scattering). The Hōsōshi, once the hero holding the spear, was replaced by the very demons he once hunted, who are now driven away by roasted soybeans thrown by the public.
Modern Culture: Where to Find the Hōsōshi Today
While the Hōsōshi has largely vanished from the mainstream consciousness in favor of the red and blue ogres of modern Setsubun, he has not disappeared entirely. He remains a cult figure in traditional theater and specific Kyoto festivals.
In Noh theater, the Hōsōshi appears in plays related to exorcism, often retaining his ancient, dignified, yet terrifying aura. In pop culture, the concept of a multi-eyed exorcist or a character wearing a four-eyed mask appears occasionally in anime and manga, serving as a deep-cut reference to this Heian-era mystic.
However, the most authentic representation exists in the living history of Kyoto. Several shrines still perform the Tsuina in its older form, keeping the memory of the four-eyed guardian alive.
Traveler’s Tips: Witnessing the Ritual
If you want to step back in time and see the Hōsōshi in action, you must plan your trip carefully around the beginning of February.
1. The Yoshida Shrine (Kyoto)
The most famous reenactment occurs at Yoshida Shrine during their Setsubun festival (usually February 2nd or 3rd). Here, the Hōsōshi appears in full Heian-period regalia—golden four-eyed mask, shield, and spear. The ritual is solemn and intense, offering a stark contrast to the cheerful bean-throwing events at other temples. It is a photographer’s dream and a rare window into the 8th century.
2. Rozan-ji Temple (Kyoto)
Another location known for its unique Setsubun festivities is Rozan-ji. While famous for its connection to The Tale of Genji, the temple performs the Oni Odori (Demon Dance). While the focus is often on the demons, the ritual structure preserves the ancient atmosphere of the court exorcisms where the Hōsōshi once reigned supreme.
3. What to Buy
Look for Omamori (amulets) at these shrines during the festival. Some feature the Hōsōshi’s mask, said to ward off bad luck and sickness—returning the figure to his original role as a protector.
Sources & Further Reading
To understand the depth of the Tsuina rituals and the Hōsōshi, one must look at the foundational texts of Japanese history:
- Shoku Nihongi (Chronicles of Japan Continued): Contains early records of the Tsuina ritual being introduced to the Imperial Court during the Nara period.
- Nihon Shoki (The Chronicles of Japan): While focused on earlier mythology, it sets the stage for the importance of purification rituals (harae) that the Hōsōshi would later embody.
- Engishiki: An ancient book of laws and regulations from 927 AD, which details the specific procedures and costumes for the Tsuina ceremony.