Tradition: Japanese Mythology
Alternative Names: Namakusa Bōzu, 腥坊主
Category: Mollusc
The Myth
Namakusabōzu is a strange octopus yōkai described in the Japanese work Tōsei Koji Tsuke Kaiokoshi. Its name refers to a “rank-smelling monk,” a mocking expression for a hypocritical or disreputable Buddhist priest who disregards religious discipline. The creature is associated with taro digging and the popular belief that octopuses sometimes come ashore to eat yams.
In earlier times, Namakusabōzu supposedly disguised itself as a doctor or tea ceremony instructor to visit pleasure districts, including Shinagawa and the Iroha teahouses of Yanaka. These disguises reflect the story’s mockery of monks who secretly pursued women despite religious vows of celibacy. Doctors and tea masters were suitable disguises because they, like monks, commonly had shaved heads.
In more recent times, however, Namakusabōzu no longer bothers to disguise itself. It appears openly, shaking its bald head and revealing its true identity. Through its transformation into a supernatural octopus, the creature satirizes religious hypocrisy and the efforts of disreputable monks to conceal their worldly appetites.
Sources
“Namagusa Bozu.” 新版TYZ 妖怪図鑑 (New TYZ Yokai Encyclopedia). https://tyz-yokai.blog.jp/archives/1056529974.html