What’s your Kushi Power?
A rather unconventional bit of stop-motion, Oni: Thunder God’s Tale is a limited series from Tonko House based in Berkley, California. Taking inspiration from the Shinto religion, nature spirits, and Japanese folklore, Oni integrates some complex subjects like parenting, being different, and the veil that separates the realm of humans from the gods.
Tonko House was founded by former Pixar art directors – Robert Kondo and Daisuke Tsutsumi in 2014 and is known for the Oscar-nominated short – The Dam Keeper. Oni: The Thunder God’s tale is my introduction to this studio, and here goes its analysis.
AD
Single Parenting Is Tough
Parenting is hard for everyone. Naridon and Mr. Tengu represent opposite ends of the social hierarchy while both try to be single parents to their daughters.
From cooking to keeping the house tidy, Naridon handles the tantrums of a very active child. Through Naridon, Tonko House shows a glimpse of single parenting for an ordinary person.
While we see a goofy, jolly side of Naridon and Onari’s relationship, the other father-daughter duo is portrayed in the exact opposite. Mr. Tengu is not only a teacher but also the father of Amaten. He expects her to maintain the same teacher-student relationship as he has with other students.
The viewers do not see Amaten and Mr. Tengu’s relationship outside school. However, we see Amaten’s struggle to get validation from her father when he puts extra effort into helping Onari develop her Khusi.
While Onari is wild and free like Naridon, Amaten maintains a social decorum like her father. It is reflected in how she conducts herself, her clothing, and her mannerisms, representing the upper class of the Japanese social hierarchy.
Later in the series, when Kappa’s parents rush to Mr. Tengu for their son’s whereabouts, he sends Amaten to Onari’s house to get some information. While Onari isn’t in her house, Amaten notices the kitchen, the walls, and everything rustic in that house and leaves disgruntled.
Amaten is jealous because despite being a good student and having developed her Khushi faster than the rest of the class, from her point of view, the world still revolves around Onari. Thoroughly occupied with the predictions about the Demon Moon, Mr. Tengu fails to see the emotional turmoil of his daughter.
AD
The Spirited Away Nostalgia
Death is the bridge between humans and gods.
In Spirited Away, Haku tells Chihiro to stop breathing until she reaches the other side of the bridge to the bathhouse. It was essential, a temporary death to mimic that she temporarily belonged to the spirit world that had magically apparated before her, leaving her no minutes to comprehend.
We see an analogy quite early in Oni.
Modori Bridge brought Naridon and infant Onari to the jungle, where the firefly-like Morinoko welcomed them. The forest spirits took it as a signal that the newly arrived pair of strangers was one of them.
On the day Onari and Kappa were to receive Kushi lessons in school, they passed the Modori Bridge not so far from Onari’s house. Both children express their concerns about the sight, and just like Chihiro, Kappa holds his breath, his cheeks puffed by the trapped air.
Kappa later mentions he learned that trick from his grandmother, and that’s how Oni doesn’t find you. It’s like how puffy-faced Chihiro remained invisible to all the spirits crossing the bridge to reach the bathhouse.
The Modori Bridge remains the only entry to the forest, just like the bridge in Spirited Away remains the only way to the bathhouse; both are painted in red which holds spiritual significance in Japan’s Shino religion.
Both stories draw inspiration from the mythologies of the Sanzu river in Mount Osorezan, which is believed to be a gateway to the afterlife as per Japanese folklore.
When viewed from the spirit world, Chihiro’s story is outside-in. Haku’s kindness and companionship help her get a sense of the completely new world and save her from fainting and disappearing. The pair shares many events, including the simple act of sharing rice cakes in the flower garden.
Onari’s story is inside-out, and she experiences similar events on the other side of the bridge. The human world is entirely new to her as she runs into food stalls, mannequins, and game arcades, then faints from exhaustion. She meets Calvin, who is delighted to learn that Yōkai (spirits) are real, and he brings Onari and Kappa into his house.
Later in the series, Calvin and Onari share food similarly but in a completely different set-up. Instead of a garden, the pair looks at a concrete human town while they share a peanut butter and jam sandwich. Onari tears up like Chihiro, and this is one of the most beautiful moments of camaraderie and vulnerability we often see in anime.
AD
Breaking The Generational Curse
Back to the gods, Naridon remains a mysterious character throughout. He is the only Kami in the forest who doesn’t speak. He is also portrayed as a simpleton, a goofball with a substantial disregard for social decorum. His unconditional love for Onari, his playtime in nature, and his smelly farts are the only information we have about him.
Naridon is drawn in the image of Raijin – the Japanese god of thunder and lightning, who also has a brother – Putaro, in the image of Fujin.
Separated from their parents early in their childhoods, the brothers stuck to their nature as the gods of the storms. Up above in the sky, Naridon beat his drum while Putaro made strong winds. We eventually learn that Onari lost her parents in one of the killer storms and got handed to Naridon for safekeeping.
This incident changes Naridon. He becomes aware of the immense power he holds and the damaging capacity of that power. Every day since his entry to Mount Kamigami, he spent it taking care of Onari, being playful, and aiding nature in doing her job. The arrival of his brother doesn’t change it, no matter how much he tries to bring out the intimidating thunder god in him.
Naridon doesn’t give up his role as a single parent. Being Onari’s dad is the single-most important aspect of his being, and he protects it against all odds.
Oni is also a thunder god’s tale of great repentance.
AD
Onari’s Apotheosis
Apotheosis, or becoming god, remains a curious subject in anime or films with Japanese roots. Akira, Neon Genesis Evangelion, and Death Note flirt with the idea but maintain strict boundaries. Humans do not become gods, although they come close to god-like intellect and power.
Under Hayao Miyazaki’s direction, Studio Ghibli draws clear lines with an anti-anthropomorphic approach.
The idea that nature spirits in the form of forests or rivers is deeply rooted in the Japanese Shinto religion, yet apotheosis remains a scantily approached theme.
Onari, on the other hand, undergoes apotheosis as an infant. When Naridon brings her to the forest, the prime spirit bestows her with the same horns as Naridon’s, making her his daughter. She is the only entity in the forest who carries the image of a human, and the spirits do not recognize it.
AD
So, What Is Onari’s Khusi Power?
Oni starts with Khusi power – a special connectedness to the natural world and awareness of one’s nature. Master Tengu, in his first lesson to the class, calls this the first step towards becoming a true Kami.
Onari’s quest about her true nature remains a constantly moving target. Unlike the rest of the spirits of Mount Kamigami, she continually struggles with her identity. She is not a thunder god, her parents are humans, and she is the Oni the Yōkai spirits were trained to fear and fight.
Eventually, she learns she cannot change her past or the circumstances that led her to become who she is. Kappa, the only confidant of Onari, reassures her that she is the best Kami of the village who dared cross the Modori Bridge twice.
Hence, Onari’s Khusi is overcoming fear in whatever shape and form it may present itself.
AD
Final Thoughts
In a limited animation series, Tonko House portrays complex elements in a consumable format while integrating complex themes of childhood, single parenting, finding one’s identity, and the simple yet complex relationship humans share with nature. It is enjoyable both for adults and children.
The core message, however, remains that people fear what they do not understand. People who look different or exhibit quirks are often misunderstood and treated differently in our societies. The languages have developed terms for outsiders and are often passed from elders to children.
Oni: Thunder God’s Tale captures the overconsuming power of fear that quickly turns into hatred. By choosing a school set-up, the creators also hint at this othering behavior passed from generation to generation.
Oni encourages children to question what they are taught and stand against fear and hatred. In an over-connected and yet divided world, this quirky, adorable, and masterful work from Tonko House is the need of the hour.
AD
Everyone loves what you guys tend to be up too. This type of
clever work and exposure! Keep up the wonderful works guys I’ve added
you guys to my own blogroll.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts. I really appreciate your efforts and I am waiting for your further write ups thank
you once again.
I was suggested this web site by my cousin. I’m not sure whether this post is written by him
as no one else know such detailed about my difficulty.
You’re wonderful! Thanks!
Good article! We will be linking to this particularly great article on our
website. Keep up the good writing.
Hi there, just became alert to your blog through Google,
and found that it is really informative. I am gonna watch out for brussels.
I will be grateful if you continue this in future.
Numerous people will be benefited from your writing. Cheers!
I would like to thank you for the efforts you have put in writing this blog. I’m hoping to see the same high-grade blog posts from you later on as well. In fact, your creative writing abilities has inspired me to get my own website now 😉
You’re so interesting! I do not think I have read a single thing like that before. So nice to find somebody with some genuine thoughts on this issue. Really.. thanks for starting this up. This website is something that is needed on the internet, someone with some originality.
Right here is the right webpage for anyone who hopes to find out about this topic. You understand a whole lot its almost tough to argue with you (not that I actually will need to…HaHa). You certainly put a brand new spin on a topic that’s been written about for years. Great stuff, just wonderful.
Way cool! Some extremely valid points! I appreciate you writing this write-up and the rest of the website is very good.
Greetings! Very useful advice within this post! It is the little changes that make the greatest changes. Thanks a lot for sharing!
I couldn’t refrain from commenting. Perfectly written.
Hey there! I just want to offer you a huge thumbs up for your excellent info you have got here on this post. I’ll be returning to your site for more soon.
Good blog you have got here.. It’s difficult to find high quality writing like yours nowadays. I truly appreciate individuals like you! Take care!!
Pretty component to content. I simply stumbled upon your site and in accession capital to claim that I acquire in fact loved account your
blog posts. Any way I will be subscribing for your feeds and even I achievement you access constantly quickly.
Way cool! Some extremely valid points! I appreciate you penning this article and also the rest of the website is very good.
Oh my goodness! Awesome article dude! Many thanks, However I am having difficulties with your RSS. I don’t understand the reason why I can’t join it. Is there anybody getting the same RSS problems? Anybody who knows the solution can you kindly respond? Thanx!!
Hi, I do believe this is a great blog. I stumbledupon it 😉 I am going to return once again since i have book marked it. Money and freedom is the greatest way to change, may you be rich and continue to guide others.
After I originally commented I appear to have clicked the -Notify me when new comments are added- checkbox and from now on each time a comment is added I recieve four emails with the same comment. Perhaps there is a way you are able to remove me from that service? Appreciate it.
This web site truly has all of the info I needed about this subject and didn’t know who to ask.
Having read this I thought it was really informative. I appreciate you finding the time and energy to put this article together. I once again find myself personally spending a significant amount of time both reading and leaving comments. But so what, it was still worthwhile!
Your style is so unique in comparison to other people I have read stuff from. Many thanks for posting when you have the opportunity, Guess I will just bookmark this blog.
Hi there! This is kind of off topic but I need some help
from an established blog. Is it tough to set up your own blog?
I’m not very techincal but I can figure things out
pretty fast. I’m thinking about making my own but I’m not sure
where to start. Do you have any ideas or suggestions?
Many thanks
This piece of writing is really a nice one it assists new internet users, who are wishing in favor of blogging.
In fact when someone doesn’t know afterward its up to other visitors that they will help, so here it takes place.
After I originally commented I appear to have clicked the -Notify me when new comments are added- checkbox and now each time a comment is added I receive four emails with the same comment. Perhaps there is a means you are able to remove me from that service? Many thanks.
Oh my goodness! Incredible article dude! Thank you so much, However I am going through difficulties with your RSS. I don’t know why I am unable to subscribe to it. Is there anybody having similar RSS issues? Anybody who knows the answer will you kindly respond? Thanx.
Thanks very interesting blog!
It’s nearly impossible to find educated people on this topic, however, you
sound like you know what you’re talking about! Thanks
Good web site you have here.. It’s hard to find high
quality writing like yours nowadays. I truly appreciate individuals like you!
Take care!!
This is the right web site for everyone who hopes to understand this topic. You know a whole lot its almost hard to argue with you (not that I actually would want to…HaHa). You certainly put a brand new spin on a subject that’s been discussed for years. Wonderful stuff, just wonderful.
My family members always say that I am wasting my time here at web, but I know I am getting knowledge all
the time by reading thes pleasant posts.
This is a topic that’s close to my heart… Take care! Exactly where can I find the contact details for questions?
This is my first time go to see at here and i am genuinely pleassant to read everthing at single place.
Pretty! This was an extremely wonderful post. Many thanks for
providing this info.
An impressive share! I’ve just forwarded this onto a colleague who has been doing a little research on this. And he in fact bought me lunch simply because I stumbled upon it for him… lol. So let me reword this…. Thanks for the meal!! But yeah, thanx for spending the time to talk about this issue here on your web site.
Everything is very open with a very clear explanation of the issues. It was definitely informative. Your website is very useful. Thank you for sharing.
Hi to all, how is the whole thing, I think every one is getting more from this site,
and your views are fastidious designed for new viewers.
First off I want to say terrific blog! I had a quick question in which
I’d like to ask if you don’t mind. I was curious to know how you center yourself and clear
your head before writing. I’ve had a difficult time clearing my mind
in getting my thoughts out. I do take pleasure in writing however it just seems like
the first 10 to 15 minutes are usually lost just trying to figure out how to
begin. Any recommendations or hints? Cheers!
An impressive share! I’ve just forwarded this onto a colleague who had been conducting a little research on this. And he actually ordered me dinner because I discovered it for him… lol. So allow me to reword this…. Thank YOU for the meal!! But yeah, thanx for spending time to discuss this topic here on your web site.
Good day I am so happy I found your website, I really found you by
error, while I was searching on Aol for something else, Anyhow I am
here now and would just like to say thanks a lot for a remarkable post and a all round interesting
blog (I also love the theme/design), I don’t have time to browse it all at the moment but
I have book-marked it and also added your RSS feeds,
so when I have time I will be back to read more, Please do
keep up the great work.
I couldn’t resist commenting. Perfectly written!
Great goods from you, man. I have understand your stuff previous to
and you are just too excellent. I really like what you have acquired here, really like what you are stating and the way in which you say it.
You make it entertaining and you still care for to keep it sensible.
I can not wait to read much more from you. This is really a tremendous site.
This website was… how do you say it? Relevant!! Finally I’ve found something which helped me. Appreciate it!
Hi, i think that i noticed you visited my website thus i came to go back the desire?.I’m trying to
in finding things to improve my site!I assume its
good enough to make use of a few of your concepts!!
Hey very nice blog!
It’s difficult to find experienced people about this topic, but you seem like you know what you’re talking about!
Thanks
An impressive share! I’ve just forwarded this onto a co-worker who was doing a little research on this. And he actually ordered me lunch due to the fact that I discovered it for him… lol. So allow me to reword this…. Thank YOU for the meal!! But yeah, thanx for spending time to discuss this topic here on your blog.
There is certainly a lot to learn about this issue. I like all the points you’ve made.
Way cool! Some extremely valid points! I appreciate you penning this write-up and also the rest of the website is also really good.
Hello, Neat post. There’s a problem along with your web site in web explorer, would check this?
IE still is the market leader and a big component to people will pass over your
fantastic writing because of this problem.