Sometimes translated as “demon”, “devil” or “ogre”, an oni is a traditional Japanese monster typically depicted as wearing a tiger pelt and carrying an iron club. They usually have red or blue skin and horns. They are popular characters in Japanese fairy tales and legends.
In early February the annual bean-throwing festival is practiced to drive out oni and to welcome in spring. People throw beans at someone dressed as an oni, and shout “Oni wa soto! Fuku wa uchi!” (「鬼は外！福は内！」, “Oni out! Good luck in!”)
Below is a photo of a shrine in Osaka shaped like an oni. I did a double-take when I first saw it.
Calligraphy by Vicky 