Tochi draws the world that Oni exists with all the other living creatures.

There are many folk tales and legends about the Oni in Japan, and I continued my research into them. The Oni now lament the ruined state of the mountains and wish for their restoration and the well-being of all living beings. I express this through my work, the “Oni MANDARA”.

I was born in the mountainous Okumikawa region of Japan and grew up playing among the insects, fish, flowers, and helping my family in their forestry business. People expressed their gratitude to the mountains through the “Yama-no-kou” rituals, while deepening their love for the mountains and nature through mountain work.

In Okumikawa’s flower festivals, Oni (ogres) appear, symbolising mountain deities. There are many folk tales and legends about the Oni in Japan, and I continued my research into them. The Oni now lament the ruined state of the mountains and wish for their restoration and the well-being of all living beings. I express this through my work, the “Oni MANDARA”. In the “Oni MANDARA” creatures live together in harmony and in the center is the SUN, which represents “Dainichi Nyorai”.