Amabie – アマビエ – [Yokai]

Description

Amabie [JP: アマビエ]

• About this Yokai: a strange Ningyo (Mermaid) which appeared offshore of Kumamoto Japan in Mid-may of 1846, a faint glow had been spotted off the shore of japan for several nights so a government official had been asked to go investigate. There he saw a mermaid with Long hair, x3 legs (tails?), a beak & a fish-like body covered in scales: the creature introduced itself as “An Amabie that came from the Sea” it then gave the official, both a prediction & a blessing:

– “Good harvest will continue for six years from the current year; if disease spreads, show a picture of me to those who fall ill and they will be cured.”  –

The creature then lept into the tides and was not seen again! – After the event in 1846: the drawing was reproduced in woodblock printed newsletters & distributed to the masses so that the creature’s supposed healing effect would reach as many people as possible.

– Amabie. Woodblock print, late Edo period, dated Kōka 3 (1846). (The official wasn’t an artist but he tried his best!!!) –

People were so invested: that for a while, carrying a picture of it with you in your wallet was considered a trendy way to ward off diseases!!! – (hopefully, my stickers have a similar effect!)

Much more recently: Amabie has been trending & being drawn in in response to the COVID-19 Corona virus: She’s even appeared on television, across multiple channels, shes been venerated at shrines (fol and even on the bottoms of airplanes.  – Despite the times changing and the world feeling very much on edge: its kind of nice that people still look to the past & folktales for good luck, entertainment maybe a pinch of hope.

• See also: Yogenju.

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