Japan has a chilling legend of a spectral whale known as Bakekujira—a phantom creature that haunts the ocean. And those who lay eyes on it… never return.

Today, we’ll explore the eerie mystery of its origins, the legends surrounding it, and its significance in the modern world.

Bakekujira (化鯨), or the “Ghost Whale”, is a supernatural entity found in folklore along Japan’s coastal regions, especially in western Japan.

It takes the form of a massive whale, but unlike an ordinary whale, it is often described as glowing faintly, partially transparent, or even appearing as a decayed, skeletal figure floating on the water.

This spectral whale only emerges on foggy nights, and those who see it are said to be paralysed with fear. Why? Because every ship that encounters it is doomed to sink…

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There are several theories behind the legend of Bakekujira. I’m gonna share the most popular three here.

One popular belief is that it is the vengeful spirit of hunted whales.

Japan has a long history of whaling, and countless whales have been slaughtered over the centuries.

Some say that the spirits of those who suffered horrific deaths at the hands of hunters have returned as Bakekujira, seeking revenge.

Another theory suggests that it is a divine warning from the gods of the sea.

In ancient Japanese beliefs, the ocean was considered sacred, and harming its creatures could bring misfortune.

Could this phantom whale be an omen, punishing those who exploit the ocean’s resources? Yeah, possibly, isn’t it?

A third idea links Bakekujira to shipwrecked souls.

Like the infamous Funayūrei (船幽霊)—ghosts of drowned sailors—this phantom whale may be formed from the souls of those who perished at sea, forever roaming the waters as a supernatural entity.

Regardless of the explanation, one thing is certain—Bakekujira is no ordinary sea monster. It is a manifestation of grief, revenge, and the eerie power of the ocean.

Japan’s seas are filled with supernatural creatures, but Bakekujira stands out.

For instance, take Umi Bōzu (海坊主), the “Sea Monk.” This towering black figure rises from the sea and capsizes ships, much like Bakekujira.
However, while Umi Bōzu is humanoid, Bakekujira retains the unmistakable form of a whale.

Then there’s Funayūrei (船幽霊), the ghostly spirits of drowned sailors. Like Bakekujira, they emerge on misty nights, appearing to unlucky sailors.
Both are linked to shipwrecks and bad omens, yet Bakekujira is unique in that it represents not just human souls, but also the spirits of animals.

Compared to similar legends from other cultures—such as the ghost ships of European folklore or Scotland’s Kraken—Bakekujira is remarkably distinct.
It’s not a sea creature attacking humans for sport. It’s a solemn reminder of the ocean’s power and the consequences of mistreating its inhabitants.

How is this phantom whale viewed today?

The legend has been featured in various forms of Japanese media, from folklore collections to illustrated yokai encyclopaedias.

Manga artist Shigeru Mizuki’s Yokai Encyclopaedia includes an eerie depiction of Bakekujira as a skeletal whale looming over the ocean. (by the way Shigeru Mizuki is a famous as a creator of Gegege No Kitaro (ゲゲゲの鬼太郎), allegedly the most popular Yokai manga in Japan).

But beyond fiction, Bakekujira may carry a deeper meaning in the modern world.

Once, whales were a crucial part of Japan’s food culture, and whaling was a widely accepted practice. However, with today’s global conservation efforts and heated debates over whaling, attitudes are changing.

Perhaps the legend is more than just a ghost story. Maybe it’s a warning, urging us to reconsider our relationship with the ocean and its creatures.

Bakekujira—the phantom whale of the sea. A silent, spectral giant that emerges in the dead of night, shrouded in mist, before vanishing into the waves.

If you were sailing and saw a massive, pale shadow on the water… Would you survive the night? I hope you would…