Abe no Seimei was an Onmyoji (Master of Yin and Yang) who played a prominent role during the Heian Period in Kyoto, serving the imperial court with supernatural abilities. His feats and achievements are so legendary that it is hard to believe he was a real historical figure. However, what kind of person was he in reality? In this article, we delve into the mysteries of Abe no Seimei, exploring his life, accomplishments, and the folklore surrounding him, along with the captivating world of Onmyodo (The Way of Yin and Yang).
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What is an Onmyoji? What is Onmyodo?
About Onmyoji
In the Heian Period, the "Onmyoji" was a key official role within the imperial court. Utilizing the knowledge of astronomy and divination, they contributed to national governance and political decisions by interpreting celestial phenomena and predicting fortunes. Among them, Abe no Seimei gained the trust of the imperial court by successfully conducting rituals such as solar eclipse predictions and rain prayers.
Onmyoji were also responsible for summoning and commanding "shikigami" (spiritual familiars) to ward off plagues and disasters. For example, Abe no Seimei performed a secret ritual known as "Hanbei" to purify evil energy and ensure the safety of Emperor Ichijo during his outings. In this way, Onmyoji were indispensable to court ceremonies and the management of national crises.
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About Onmyodo
Onmyodo is a Japanese system of beliefs and practices that combines the Yin-Yang and Five Elements Theory from China with Japanese astronomy and calendrical systems. During the Heian Period, Onmyoji who were well-versed in Onmyodo played an integral role in court rituals and national governance. They conducted celestial observations, created calendars, and performed divinations to predict fortunes and misfortunes. The Yin-Yang Five Elements Theory combines the Yin-Yang Theory and the Five Elements Theory. The Yin-Yang Theory posits that all things are born from the interplay of opposing forces, "Yin" and "Yang." The Five Elements Theory suggests that the natural world is composed of five elements—wood, fire, earth, metal, and water—and that their interactions influence the transformations of the heavens and the fortunes of human affairs. Onmyodo also evolved alongside Buddhism and Shugendo (mountain ascetic practices), leaving a lasting impact on Japanese culture even after it was officially banned by the government in 1870. Today, its legacy continues to inspire novels, manga, and movies.
Who Was Abe no Seimei from "Onmyoji 0"? His Life and Achievements
Abe no Seimei (921–1005) was an Onmyoji who lived during the Heian Period and became a historical figure shrouded in legend. Specializing in magic, divination, and astronomy, he is often depicted commanding "shikigami" (spiritual familiars) in classical literature such as "The Great Mirror" and "Konjaku Monogatari Collection." Shikigami are said to be spirits or deities that serve Onmyoji, invisible to human eyes or able to transform their appearance. Abe no Seimei was renowned for his mastery over shikigami, which he used not only for curses but also for everyday tasks such as securing doors and managing household chores.
Abe no Seimei began his formal studies in astronomy and calendrical science at the Onmyoryo (Bureau of Onmyo) at the age of 39. He first appeared as an Onmyoji in the historical chronicle "Honcho Seiki" at age 46 and later as an expert of astronomy in diaries written by aristocrats when he was 51. His career, marked by late bloom and exceptional accomplishments, lasted until his death at the age of 84.
Over his long career, Abe no Seimei left behind numerous achievements, particularly in divination and exorcism. One notable story is his diagnosis of Emperor Kazan's persistent headaches. Seimei identified the cause as the skull from the emperor's past life, which had become lodged between rocks. After locating and retrieving the skull and relocating it to an open area, the emperor's headaches ceased. Another famous episode from his later years involved a successful rainmaking ritual, which earned him a reward from the emperor, as recorded in noble diaries of the time.
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Legends About Abe no Seimei
Was Abe no Seimei's Mother a Fox?
Abe no Seimei's origins remain mysterious. Some tales suggest he was a "kesho no mono" (a being born without human parents), while others claim his father and grandfather were government officials. One enduring legend is that his mother was a fox. This story is rooted in the "Tale of Kuzunoha," also known as "The Legend of the Shinoda Wife." In this tale, a fox saved Seimei’s father, Abe no Yasuna of Settsu Province (modern-day northern Osaka and eastern Hyogo). To repay Yasuna's kindness, the fox transformed into a human woman and appeared before him. This story, popularized in puppet theater and kabuki, cemented Abe no Seimei’s reputation as "the child of a fox" and inspired countless later works of literature and folklore.
*Settsu Province: A historical region that spanned parts of modern-day northern Osaka Prefecture and eastern Hyogo Prefecture.
Mastery of Shikigami and Subjugation of Demons
Abe no Seimei was celebrated for his unparalleled command over shikigami, using them in diverse ways—from mundane chores to intricate curses and even subduing terrifying demons. In one instance, he used two shikigami to seal away a demon in Kumano. In another, he employed the same two shikigami to perform rituals that pacified a plague deity. One of the most famous stories about his prowess involves his exorcism of Tamamo-no-Mae, the legendary nine-tailed fox. This fox spirit, disguised as a human, had brought calamity upon the emperor. Abe no Seimei's extraordinary abilities in taming and defeating such powerful beings elevated him beyond the status of a mere sorcerer.
*Exorcism: The act of using rituals to banish or subdue demons and malevolent spirits.
The Relationship Between Abe no Seimei and Ashiya Doman
Ashiya Doman was a contemporary of Abe no Seimei, often portrayed as his rival in folklore. One well-known story involves a contest of magical powers to determine the contents of a box, commissioned by the emperor. In this match, Doman claimed the box held "16 large oranges" (now thought to be akin to natsumikan). However, Seimei transformed the oranges into mice and declared, "16 mice." This clever display of magic granted Seimei victory. According to the rules of their contest, the loser would become the disciple of the winner, leading Doman to serve Seimei.
But their rivalry did not end there. In later legends, Doman fell in love with Seimei’s wife and killed Seimei. However, Seimei’s master, Hakudou, resurrected him through sorcery. Ultimately, Seimei defeated Doman, bringing their feud to a dramatic conclusion. In most tales, Doman is depicted as the antagonist. Yet, as these stories do not appear in historical records or noble diaries, it remains uncertain whether Doman was truly a villain. What kind of image of Doman comes to your mind?
Works Featuring Abe no Seimei
Abe no Seimei appears in a wide range of media, from classical literature to modern novels, traditional joruri puppet theater, kabuki plays, manga, and films. Classical texts include "Konjaku Monogatari-shu," a collection of tales from the late Heian period, and "Uji Shui Monogatari," compiled in the early Kamakura period.
In the mid-Edo period, Seimei was introduced to the stage with "Ashiya Doman Ouchi Kagami," a joruri and kabuki play. Even today, the kabuki play "Kuzunoha," based on the legend of Seimei being the child of a fox, remains a beloved classic.
Over 1,100 years after Seimei’s birth, he continues to appear in novels, manga, films, and more. Among modern works, the long novel series "Onmyoji" by author Baku Yumemakura is one of the most renowned.
Popular Works Featuring Abe no Seimei
Anime: Netflix’s "Onmyoji"
Set in the Heian period, the Netflix anime "Onmyoji" is a supernatural mystery series. In Kyoto, where negative emotions such as envy, jealousy, and obsession have intensified, humans consumed by these desires transform into demons. The story follows the onmyoji Abe no Seimei and his noble companion, Minamoto no Hiromasa, as they confront these transformed humans.
One of the series' key charms is the dynamic between Seimei and Hiromasa. Seimei is a brilliant yet eccentric practitioner of onmyodo, detached from human affairs. In contrast, Hiromasa, though lacking special powers, is compassionate and driven by justice. Together, they tackle the bizarre incidents plaguing Kyoto. Opposing them is the wandering onmyoji Ashiya Doman, whose clashes with Seimei and battles against demons add thrilling action to the show’s mystical Heian backdrop.
Anime: "Onmyoji: Heian Monogatari"
This short anime series, with four-minute episodes, is based on the mobile game "Onmyoji Authentic Fantasy RPG." Set in Heian Kyoto, the city appears serene during the day but becomes a realm of roaming yokai at night. The story follows Abe no Seimei, a renowned onmyoji, as he interacts with a diverse array of yokai and shikigami in a peculiar yet heartwarming daily life.
Each episode highlights the unique stories of these yokai, including the popular Princess Kaguya grappling with matters of love and Goldfish Princess searching for allies to achieve world domination. Famous oni such as Shuten Doji and Ibaraki Doji also make appearances, adding to the charming narrative set against the backdrop of Heian Kyoto.
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Movie: "Onmyoji 0"
The film "Onmyoji 0" explores the untold student days of Abe no Seimei, the most powerful sorcerer. The plot centers on the young Seimei and his music-loving noble companion, Minamoto no Hiromasa, as they face a malicious curse and a grand conspiracy. Despite his genius, Seimei leads an isolated life, but alongside Hiromasa, he investigates supernatural phenomena targeting a royal woman and confronts events that threaten Heian Kyoto.
With full support from original author Baku Yumemakura, the film emphasizes themes of friendship and trust, evoking a Heian-era Holmes and Watson. Highlights include stunning VFX depicting a water dragon and action sequences inspired by Yuzuru Hanyu’s skating, offering a visual feast. The resilience of Seimei against ancient curses offers hope and courage to viewers in today’s uncertain times.
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< References>
・Yuhiro Shimura, Hiroshi Kadota "Onmyoji Haruaki Abe" (Kadokawa Sophia Bunko, 1999, 240 pages)
・Masako Sugawara, "Fortune Telling and Medieval People: Politics, Learning, and Warfare" (Kodansha Gendai Shinsho, 2011, 238 pages)
・ Great mirror|Komazawa University[19] Haruaki Abe, sensing abdication, using Shikigami https://www.komazawa-u.ac.jp/~hagi/txt_ookagami.TXT
・Onmyoji Haruaki Abe | Gopoyama Kumano Shrine https://jinjya.kumano-kids.com/?page_id=2
・Seimei direct lineage Yin-Yang Path Crisis of Disruption 1000 Years After Heian: Tokyo Shimbun Digital https://www.tokyo-np.co.jp/article/17679
・ Volume 19 Episode 24 Daishi Iri Taizanfu Kimi Matsuri Tsu Tsugogo Chapter 4 [Yatagarasu Navi] https://yatanavi.org/text/k_konjaku/k_konjaku19-24
・ Volume 24 Episode 16 Abe Seimei Tsu Tadagyo Customary Taogo Chapter 16 [Yatagarasu Navi] https://yatanavi.org/text/k_konjaku/k_konjaku24-16
・ Volume 24 Episode 19 Harima Kuni Onmyoji Chitoku Hoshi Language 19 [Yatagarasu Navi] https://yatanavi.org/text/k_konjaku/k_konjaku24-19
・Do you know Shikigami? |Seimei Shrine https://www.seimeijinja.jp/?p=8969
・The Legend of Izumi / Izumi City https://www.city.osaka-izumi.lg.jp/school/esch/kitaikeda/school/densetu.html
・Collection of Japan Classical Literature: The Story of Uji Lost Remains https://www.koten.net/uji/
・ Ashiya Michiman Daiuchikan ~ Kuzunoha | Kabuki Play Guide https://enmokudb.kabuki.ne.jp/repertoire/2222/?tab=arasuji
・Performance search results - Kabuki performance database https://kabukidb.net/search?pid=280
・1100th Anniversary of the Birth of Prince Abe | Abe Bunshuin https://www.abemonjuin.or.jp/news-seimei_1100/
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