Synopsis
In "Onita's Hat," Onita, a young Oni, is forced to depart from his home with only a hat in his possession. Battling the bitter cold and darkness, he seeks shelter in a human residence, but protective items such as holly and sardine head charms prevent him from entering. Eventually, he discovers a house lacking these safeguards or roasted soybeans, where a girl is caring for her ill mother. The girl devotes all her time to her mother's care, unable to afford food or join in the Setsubun festivities. Touched by their circumstances, Onita obtains a meal and, disguised as a human, brings sekihan and a green bean dish to the girl, claiming he had made too much for the festival. After this kind deed, Onita resumes his search for a new home, leaving his hat behind as he departs.