Tradition: Japanese Mythology
Alternative Names: 海坊主, Sea Monk
Category: Turtle
The Myth
The Umibōzu is a sea-dwelling yokai found in coastal folklore throughout Japan. It is usually described as a gigantic, pitch-black humanoid creature that rises from the ocean and can capsize ships. Some accounts describe it as reaching heights of around 30 metres. It is also regarded as an omen of misfortune.
Descriptions of the Umibōzu vary by region. The Saikai Zokudan describes it as having a turtle’s body and a human face, identifying it with the Chinese Heshangyu. In Kesennuma, Miyagi Prefecture, it was said to transform into a beautiful woman and challenge men rowing boats at night to a swimming contest. In Uwajima, Ehime Prefecture, a tale tells of an Umibōzu that disguised itself as a masseur and killed a hunter’s wife.
In some regions, the Umibōzu appears like a ship ghost and asks sailors to lend it a ladle. Anyone who hands one over risks having the creature scoop seawater into the boat until it sinks. To survive, sailors must give it a ladle with a hole in the bottom, preventing it from filling the vessel.
Although the Umibōzu is usually associated with disaster, not every tradition considers it harmful. In Nakajima, Ehime Prefecture, it was believed that anyone who saw one would enjoy a long life. Japanese illustrations frequently depict it as a black humanoid rising from the waves, sometimes with fin-like features.
Sources
“Umibōzu.” 新版TYZ 妖怪図鑑 (New TYZ Yokai Encyclopedia). https://tyz-yokai.blog.jp/archives/1010652604.html