More than 1,000 years ago, there was an ogress doing evil in Mt Togakushi, Shinshu province (Nagano prefecture today).
Worrying about the situation the emperor dispatched a brave general Taira no Koremochi to conquer the ogress.
It was in autumn---maple leaves have turned into red and were producing awefully beautiful scenery. Koremochi and his retainer were surrounded with a flood of crimson leaves and fascinated by the gorgeous view of Mt Togakushi.
Walking in an ecstasy they found the beauty giving a feast under a maple tree. The beauty tempted Koremochi to join and served with sake, Japanese rice wine.
As Koremochi and the retainer got drunk to fall asleep, the beauty betrayed themselves---indeed, they were the ogress and its followers.
The ogress reach for Koremochi to tear apart and eat him. Then the Japanese God of War “Hachiman Daibosatsu” that Koremochi worships came out and gave him a sacred sword.
Koremochi recovered consciousness and rooted out the gang of demons after a fierce battle.
**Off the Subject**
The title “Momiji-gari” indicates leaf peeping. In autumn many people in Japan visit parks or mountains to enjoy seeing beautiful red leaves of Japanese maple. (Momiji is Japanese maple and gari(kari) is to hunt or to chase.)
According to the legend in Shinshu province, the name of the ogress killed by Koremochi was Momiji. In my opinion the title “Momiji-gari” puns on leaf peeping and killing the ogress, Momiji……but I haven’t proved yet. How do you think?
