Amabie: The Yokai That Predicted the Pandemic

In the spring of 1846, the serene coastlines of Kyushu Island cradled the fishing village of Higo Province, present-day Kumamoto Prefecture. In an era marked by its seclusion from the outside world, Kyushu Island became the cradle of a legend that would weave itself into the culture of Japan and the rest of the world. The villagers lived in harmony with the sea and a perplexing phenomenon unfolded that threatened their livelihood. Each night a radiant light varying from soft glows to intense red hues pierced the darkness from the ocean's heart. This spectacle drew a mix of wonder and fear, binding the community with a shared curiosity and unease. The local authorities, propelled by duty and mounting public concern, ventured on a treacherous investigation into the They were met with a sudden, ferocious storm that threatened to claim their lives. But in their darkest moment the storm passed, unveiling the serene sea and from within the depths a being of profound mystique. With its ethereal presence, the creature appeared before them, transforming fear into awe. Welcome to the mysteries of mythology, the Amabie. The creature that stood before the officials was a sight to behold, a being of profound otherworldliness. It had long flowing hair and a face reminiscent of a human's, except for its pronounced beak-like mouth. From its neck down, it was adorned with scales and it possessed three legs or fins. Despite its startling appearance, there was a tranquility to the Amabie that calmed the After a moment of silence, the entity introduced itself. I am the dweller of the sea known as Amabie, it declared in a voice that resonated with the wisdom of the depths. For the next six years, your lands will enjoy bountiful harvests. However, should disease threaten your people, make haste to draw my likeness and display it for all to see. With these words, the Amabie submerged back into the ocean, leaving behind a tale that would endure through the ages. The officials hurried back to the village, one among them tasked with immortalizing the Amabie in a sketch. Their encounter was documented and published, spreading the legend of the Amabie far beyond the shores of Kyushu to the bustling streets of Edo, modern Tokyo, thereby embedding the Amabie firmly within Japanese folklore. The Amabie is a form of yokai, the umbrella term for spirits and the supernatural in Japanese mythology. These beings often reflect the natural and societal anxieties of the times, serving as both warnings and protectors to the people who believe in them. The Amabie, with its prophetic message and benevolent promise, is a quintessential embodiment of the yokai's role in foretelling and forestalling calamity. As Japan grappled with the opening of its borders in the late 19th century, Amabie's prophecy seemed ever more pertinent. The arrival of foreign ships not only brought trade and new ideas, but also diseases like cholera against which the people sought protection in any form available. Woodblock prints of the Amabie were circulated as talismans, believed to ward off disease if its image was widely shared. The legend of the Amabie, once confined to woodblock prints and whispered tales, found new life in the digital age, especially during the global challenge of the COVID-19 pandemic. From vibrant social media art to tangible goods embodying hope, the Amabie symbolized a collective endeavor to overcome adversity through shared belief and creativity. This resurgence of the myth and Amabie's prophecy gave comfort and unity in uncertain times. Some have argued that the Amabie may have derived from a similar but distinct yokai known as the Amabiko. Some even argue that they are one and the same creatures spotted by the officials of Kyushu Island, and simply a misunderstanding when the introduced itself. Both entities share striking similarities, not only in their prophetic abilities but also in their physical descriptions, three-legged beings that emerge from the sea to predict both bountiful harvests and looming plagues. The Amabiko, with reports dating back to the Edo period, predates the known appearances of the Amabie, suggesting a lineage of aquatic prophetic yokai that the Amabie may be a part of. Did the residents of Kyushu Island see the Amabie or was it actually the Amabiko? What do you think they saw? If you'd like to find out more about other yokai, watch the next videos in the Japanese Mythology section, or watch another video that YouTube thinks you'd like.