Tradition: Japanese Mythology
Alternative Names: 万歳楽, Manzai-raku
Category: Rat
The Myth
Manzairaku is a mysterious fish recorded in the Japanese work Getsudō Kenbunshū. In mid-March 1712, it was reportedly caught in a casting net in Fukagawa, Edo, now part of Tokyo. The creature measured approximately seven shaku in length and was grey like a mouse, with fur covering its body.
Its fur was said to be around seven sun long. It had a mouse-like head, red eyes, whiskers, and a forked tail resembling that of a swallow. After being caught, the fish passed from the fisherman to Takenaka Shuzan and was eventually presented to the shogun’s castle.
At the time, Konoe Motohiro, a retired imperial regent who was staying in Edo, gave the creature the auspicious name “Manzairaku,” associated with celebration and longevity.
Sources
“Manzairaku.” 新版TYZ 妖怪図鑑 (New TYZ Yokai Encyclopedia). https://tyz-yokai.blog.jp/archives/1010654457.html