Are the Ubuyashikis "Shinto Priests" or "Onmyoji"? The Unknown Relationship Between "Oyakata-sama" and "Curses"

Hi, this is Osamu.

The leader of the Demon Slayer Corps, "Oyakata-sama," Kagaya Ubuyashiki. He commands the absolute trust of the Corps members, but his existence is shrouded in mystery.

What is particularly intriguing is the "curse" that plagues his family and the "true nature" of the role his clan fulfills.

The Ubuyashiki family suffers under a terrifying curse—short lifespans—all because they produced the "stain of their clan," Muzan Kibutsuji. To break this curse, they have led the Demon Slayer Corps for a thousand years.

So, who exactly are the Ubuyashikis? Is their special position closer to that of traditional Japanese "Kannushi" (Shinto priests), or "Onmyoji" (yin-yang masters)? Today, I'd like to explore this topic.

The Connection to "Shinto Priests" (Kannushi)

First, the most definite link is to "Kannushi" (Shinto priests).

According to information from the story, the Ubuyashiki family has a tradition of marrying spouses from "Kannushi" (Shinto priest) lineages to mitigate the clan's curse. In fact, Kagaya's wife, Amane, also comes from a priest's lineage.

A Kannushi is a person who serves the gods (Kami) at a shrine (Jinja), performs rites (Saishi), and acts as an intermediary between the gods and the people, conveying the divine will and delivering human prayers.

It is believed that the Ubuyashiki family, by intentionally bringing in this priestly bloodline, has been trying to purify the "impurity" (Kegare) of their curse and gain divine protection.

It is also significant that Amane possesses the special ability of "prophetic dreams." This suggests that as part of a priestly lineage, she inherited a power close to a divine oracle (Shintaku)—a form of "divination" (Uranai).

Oyakata-sama himself, while not a combatant, guides and continues to mourn all the Corps members as their "parent." His figure is like that of a high priest leading a massive "clan" (Ujizoku) dedicated to the "exorcism" (Akuma-harai) of the demons that plague the land.

Similarities to "Onmyoji" (Yin-Yang Masters)

On the other hand, the Ubuyashiki family's role shares many commonalities with that of "Onmyoji."

Onmyoji were a group of specialists from ancient China who utilized "Jujutsu" (curse magic) and "Senjutsu" (divination) based on the "Yin-Yang Five Elements theory." They worked in a government office called the "Onmyoryo" (Bureau of Onmyo), where they were responsible for observing astronomy and "Kishoku" (omens in the wind and clouds) to divine good and bad fortune, which they would then report to the Emperor.

This "divination" is what Oyakata-sama's greatest ability has in common with them.

Oyakata-sama's "foresight" (Seken-no-mei) is more than mere intuition; it borders on "future prediction." He has used this power (a form of divination) to build a fortune, sustain the Demon Slayer Corps, and avoid crises time and time again. This is identical to the role of the Onmyoji who divined the future of the nation.

Furthermore, Onmyoji are famous for commanding "Shikigami." They manipulated these familiar spirits to gather information and perform curse magic.

How does this apply to Oyakata-sama? The "Kasugai Crows" he sends to his Corps members function exactly like Shikigami, relaying information. Taking this a step further, one could even view the Demon Slayer Corps members themselves—bound by Oyakata-sama's charismatic "voice" and acting as his eyes and hands to destroy demons—as his "Shikigami." (This is just a theory!)

Conclusion: A Hybrid of Priest and Onmyoji

So, are they Shinto priests or Onmyoji?

My conclusion is that they are "a unique, specialized curse-fighting clan that combines the qualities of both."

1. They incorporate the blood of Shinto priests to purify their family's "curse" and maintain their sanctity.

2. They fulfill the role of an Onmyoji, using "divination" (foresight) to read the future and commanding "familiars" (Slayers and crows) to perform a large-scale "exorcism" of the "curse" (demons) afflicting the nation.

The Ubuyashiki family appears to be a unique lineage that has specialized in fighting demons for a millennium, blending Shinto spiritual purification with the practical, Onmyoji-like roles of divination and command.

The existence known as "Oyakata-sama" is that of a high priest, a curse master, and, above all else, the head of the "family" that is the Demon Slayer Corps.