What do WWII battles, ballistic missiles, and the deadly brown tree snake have in common?
Kappas are one of the most popular creatures in Japanese folklore. They are water-dwelling creatures often depicted as having a dish-like depression on their heads that holds water, which is the source of their power. They are mischievous and can be malevolent, known for pranking humans, causing drownings, and kidnapping children.
The kappa myth likely arose from the real dangers posed by water bodies in rural areas of Japan. Rivers, ponds, and lakes can be hazardous, especially for children, and so the stories of kappas serve as cautionary tales to keep children away from these dangers.
Zashiki-warashi are spirit children that are believed to bring good fortune to the households they inhabit. Indeed, if a zashiki-warashi leaves a home, it is said that the household will fall into bad luck, and often the decline of prolific homes in Japanese history have been attributed to this creature.
The idea of household spirits is common in many cultures. Zashiki-warashi represents the belief that spirits or gods protect the home, bringing prosperity if they are pleased, and misfortune if they are not.
The namahage are red-faced demons that visit households on New Year's Eve to admonish lazy people who cause trouble or refuse to do their fair share, all with the intent of scaring people into good behavior.
The namahage myth was most likely created as a way to ensure that community members were working hard and contributing to the collective well-being, which was crucial in farming communities where cooperation was essential.
Namazu is a giant catfish believed to live beneath the Japanese archipelago. According to legend, it thrashes about and causes earthquakes whenever it is not restrained by the god Kashima, who holds it down with a giant stone. The catfish's movements are thought to reflect the geological activity that leads to earthquakes.
The belief in namazu emerged from the frequent and devastating earthquakes in Japan. It personifies the unpredictability of seismic activity, as well as the fear that people experience when earthquakes occur.
Tsuchigumo, or earth spiders, are large, monstrous creatures that dwell underground. They are sometimes depicted as giant spiders or ogre-like beings. In folklore, they are known to cause landslides and other ground disturbances.
These creatures were born as a symbol of the dangers of living in a land that is prone to landslides and other geological upheavals, which are often exacerbated by earthquakes and heavy rains.
Umibōzu are mysterious sea spirits that appear as large, dark, humanoid figures rising from the ocean during storms. They are known to capsize ships and drown sailors, all of which represent the perilous nature of the sea.
The myth of umibōzu likely originated from the dangers faced by fishermen and sailors during typhoons and other severe weather conditions at sea.
The noppera-bō are faceless ghosts that appear as ordinary humans from a distance but reveal a blank, featureless face upon closer inspection. They often haunt lonely roads and abandoned places with the intent of frightening unsuspecting travelers.
The noppera-bō spirits can be seen as a representation of the loss of identity that Japanese people often felt in the aftermath of disasters, tragedies, and major changes in society.
Ame-onna, or rain women, are spirits that bring rain wherever they go. In some stories, they appear as mournful women, and their presence can lead to incessant rain and flooding.
The myth of ame-onna likely reflects the impact of prolonged rainfall and flooding, which occurs often in Japan. This flooding can lead to crop failure, landslides, and other devastating disasters.
Hibagon are cryptids similar to the North American Bigfoot, reportedly sighted in the forests of Japan. They are described as a large, ape-like creatures that appear in areas experiencing environmental changes or disruptions.
Sightings of hibagon often coincide with environmental disturbances, which suggests that there is a link between human activity and the emergence of such cryptids as symbols of nature's response.
Jinmenju are trees with human faces on their trunks or branches. These faces are said to laugh and smile, but their presence is eerie and unsettling, often found in places where many people have died.
These trees symbolize the spirits of the deceased (particularly those who died in tragic circumstances) and the unsettling presence of death in certain locations.
Gashadokuro are enormous skeletons that wander the countryside at night, making a rattling sound as they move. Their bodies are formed from the bones of people who died of starvation or in battle without being given a proper burial.
These giants represent the collective suffering of those who perished in famines and wars, and their appearance is a reminder of the consequences of such tragedies, as well as the sorrow that arises from not burying the dead.
Tenome is a ghost often depicted with eyes on its hands instead of its face. It is said to be the spirit of a blind man who was murdered and now seeks revenge, and it uses its hands to see and find its prey.
Although tenome’s true origin is unknown, most people believe that it embodies the sense of injustice and the lingering ghosts of blind men who were often robbed and then murdered by thugs.
Yūrei are restless spirits of the dead who have not found peace. They are known to invoke powerful curses, and are often depicted with long, unkempt hair and white funeral clothing. Yūrei do not wander, and instead haunt places where they died or have unfinished business.
Yūrei are thought to symbolize the unresolved trauma and sorrow of individuals who died violently or tragically, often seen in Japanese areas historically affected by natural disasters or wars.
Sources: (National Geographic) (TheCollector) (ZenMarket) (Yokai.com)
See also: Terrifying urban legends from Japan
Kawa-no-kami is a river god or spirit that can control the flow of rivers. He is both revered and feared, as he can bring both life-sustaining water and destructive floods.
Over much of Japanese history, many mythical creatures were created as a way to understand and cope with the unpredictable forces of nature and life. From the ghosts of children to vengeful deities, many folktales come from Japan’s northernmost region of Tohoku, where the isolated geography and harsh climate have created a thriving environment for the imagination.
Curious? Click through this gallery to see which of these mythical creatures were inspired by disaster.
Floods have historically caused significant damage and loss of life in Japan, and this river god embodies the dual nature of rivers as both vital and dangerous.
Japanese mythical creatures born from disaster
You probably don’t want to cross paths with any of these!
LIFESTYLE Culture
Over much of Japanese history, many mythical creatures were created as a way to understand and cope with the unpredictable forces of nature and life. From the ghosts of children to vengeful deities, many folktales come from Japan’s northernmost region of Tohoku, where the isolated geography and harsh climate have created a thriving environment for the imagination.
Curious? Click through this gallery to see which of these mythical creatures were inspired by disaster.