Uwajimaうわじま

Umi-bōzu is a yokai said to embody the fear and unease sailors feel at sea. Its form is not fixed, sometimes appearing as a mere black shadow, other times rising from the waves as a colossal monk-like figure. Tales tell of it approaching boats and whispering, “Lend me oil,” and if given, it ignites flames and sinks the vessel. In more recent lore, it is said to collect sunken boats and nets and stack them on the seafloor, and at times appears holding a glowing bottle or lantern. Both a frightener of humans and a symbol of the sea’s mystery, it is regarded with awe.

The Ushi-oni’s appearance varies by region, yet it is consistently remembered as a symbol of terror. Emerging from the sea, it ambushes travelers and fishermen, inspiring fear, taboos, and appeasement rites. Legends tell that even when its head is severed it keeps rampaging, marking it as a top-tier yokai for persistence and monstrous strength.