Sumi oni

“Sumi oni”: Not-so-frightening Ogres On the underside corners of the roofs at Toshodaiji are wooden blocks that lend stability to beams and pillars. They are also highly decorative, featuring ornate carvings of mythical demons known as jaki which are often shown being trampled on by the Four Heavenly Kings, who are the guardians of the world and of Buddhist teachings. Interestingly, while these jaki blocks were intended to be frightening, in more recent years many visitors have in fact found them to be endearing, leading them to be nicknamed sumi oni, or “corner demons.”