Umibōzu - 海坊主 - [Yokai]

Umibōzu - 海坊主 - [Yokai]

• About this yokai: Umibozu are mysterious ocean giants that vary in size from the hight of a human, to the size of a boat, or much, much larger. They are often said to resemble a balding monk. (The religious tie-ins end there.) Usually appearing on calm nights, right before a storm, they'll rise up from the depths.

• History: Old folk legends say that If you make an Umibozu angry (they don't like to be observed.) it will approach the boat and then politely ask you for a barrel. - it will proceed to fill said barrel with water, and pour it onto the deck of the ship in an attempt to drown the crew. (A smart captain will instead give it a barrel with the bottom removed. rendering it ineffective for scooping.) - [The scooping bit is a folkloric parallel to Funa Yurei and a couple of other oceanic yokai.] - It's also often said that cigarette smoke is an effective umibozu repellent. (likely an excuse for why sailors smoke so much)

["The sailor Tokuso and the sea monster." by Utagawa Kuniyoshi - Published in 1845.]

[Umibozu as it appears in Kyoka Hyaku monogatari.[1853]

[a cute umibozu as it appears in BYU Bakemono-e [1660-1802?]

Other similar yokai: Funayurei, Umiosho, Umizato. Ningen.

[Art Sticker by @Samkalensky (yo, thats me!) - Part of my Night parade of 100 Demons - Yokai & Japanese folklore sticker collection, weather-resistant 4" sticker. Check my shop @samkalensky & support for many more]