Japanese black magic, also known as Kuro Majutsu, is a form of occult practices that are believed to tap into supernatural forces for personal gain, vengeance, or harm. It is a dark and secretive art that has its roots in ancient Japanese folklore and mythology. In Japan, there is a long history of black magic being practiced by individuals known as onmyoji, who were considered masters of the occult arts. These onmyoji were skilled in divination, astrology, and spiritual rituals, but they also dabbled in darker practices such as curses, hexes, and summoning malevolent spirits. One of the most famous examples of Japanese black magic is the curse known as the "Kanekiri." The Kanekiri was a curse that was said to be able to sever a person's life force, causing them to suffer from illness, bad luck, or even death.
I am not sure whether those cards are related to traditional Japanese culture. My guess is that they carry a special meaning in the Dragonballz series only. Perhaps someone with more insight will chime in later.
During Japan s Heian Period 794 to 1185 , the site of this temple was adjacent to a large open air burial site, where dead bodies would be left to be devoured by the animals and the elements. A Japanese woman dressed in a business suit is on her hands and knees crawling through a narrow passage which has been carved through the middle of a large stone.
" The Kanekiri was a curse that was said to be able to sever a person's life force, causing them to suffer from illness, bad luck, or even death. It was believed that this curse could be placed on someone by simply writing their name on a piece of paper and performing a specific ritual. Another well-known example of Japanese black magic is the use of voodoo dolls or "hitogata" in rituals.
Ichijama
Appearance : Ichijama is a curse from Okinawa. It is a type of ikiryō—a spirit of a still-living person which leaves the body to haunt its victim. The magic which summons this spirit, the person who casts the spell, and the family line of that person are all referred to as ichijama. Not only people, but cows, pigs, horses and other livestock, as well as crops can be cursed by an ichijama.
Interactions : An ichijama is summoned by praying to a special doll known as an ichijama butokii. The ichijama butokii is boiled in a pot while reciting the name of the body part which is to be cursed. After the ritual is performed, a spirit which looks exactly like the person casting the spell visits the home of the intended victim. It delivers a gift to its target—usually fruit or vegetables such as bananas, garlic, or wild onions. After receiving the gift, the target develops an unidentifiable sickness in whichever body part was chanted during the spell. If untreated, the victim will die.
Omyōdō did not exist in Okinawa, so this curse could only be overcome with the help of Okinawan magic, by shamans known as yuta. This was accomplished by performing yet another curse. The yuta would bind the victim’s thumbs together and hit them with a nail while chanting bad things about the curse victim. Performing this curse would drive out the ichijama from its victim.
Origin : The ability to summon an ichijama is a hereditary secret passed down from mother to daughter. Families with such magical power are said to be very beautiful and have a sharp look in their eyes. The ability to use black magic carries a strong social stigma in Okinawa. Marrying into one of these families should be avoided at all costs. But it is difficult to tell; ichijama clans are often careful about hiding their family secret.
These dolls are made out of cloth or paper and are believed to represent a specific person. By using the doll and performing rituals, it was believed that the practitioner could control or harm the targeted individual. Throughout history, Japanese black magic has been associated with various supernatural creatures and spirits. One such creature is the "kappa," a water-dwelling creature that was said to have magical powers. It was believed that an onmyoji could form a pact with a kappa and gain access to its supernatural abilities. Despite its secretive nature and association with darkness, black magic in Japan has also been used for positive purposes. Some onmyoji were known to use their skills to protect people from evil spirits or to bring luck and prosperity to individuals or communities. Today, the practice of Japanese black magic is not as widespread as it once was. However, there are still individuals who practice occult arts and claim to have knowledge of ancient rituals and spells. Some of these practitioners offer their services for various purposes, such as love spells, curses, or protection from malevolent spirits. In conclusion, Japanese black magic is a mysterious and obscure practice that has its roots deeply embedded in Japanese folklore and mythology. It is a dark and secretive art that taps into supernatural forces for personal gain or harm. While it may be less prevalent today, it still holds a place in Japanese history and culture..
Reviews for "The Masked Magicians: Performing Black Magic in Japanese Theater"
1. Sean - 1/5 stars - I was extremely disappointed with "Japanese black magic". The book promised to provide an intriguing and informative look into the world of black magic in Japan, but instead, it was filled with inaccuracies and poorly researched information. The author seemed more interested in sensationalizing black magic rather than providing a comprehensive understanding of its history and practices. I would not recommend this book to anyone looking for a genuine and well-researched exploration of Japanese black magic.
2. Emily - 2/5 stars - I had high hopes for "Japanese black magic" but ultimately found it to be a letdown. While the book contained some interesting anecdotes and stories, it lacked depth and failed to explore the cultural and historical context of black magic in Japan. The writing style was also rather dry and the information felt disjointed. Overall, I believe there are better books out there for those interested in learning about Japanese black magic.
3. Michael - 2/5 stars - As someone with a genuine interest in Japanese occult practices, I was excited to read "Japanese black magic". However, I found the book to be more of a compilation of random stories and myths rather than a proper exploration of black magic. The author failed to provide any substantial evidence or credible sources to support their claims. I was left feeling unsatisfied and would not recommend this book to those looking for a comprehensive understanding of Japanese black magic.
4. Sarah - 3/5 stars - "Japanese black magic" was an okay read for me. The book did provide some interesting insights into the world of black magic in Japan, but I felt that it lacked depth and was overly focused on spooky stories rather than providing a balanced view of the topic. While it was an entertaining read, I wouldn't consider it a reliable source for those seeking a deeper understanding of Japanese black magic.