Akkorokamui: Hokkaido's Monstrous Red Octopus God in the Sea

What in the Deep Sea is Akkorokamui?

Fancy a dip in Hokkaido’s Uchiura Bay? You might want to think twice. Lurking beneath the waves is Akkorokamui (アッコロカムイ), a creature straight out of Ainu folklore. This isn’t just any sea monster; it’s a colossal, octopus-like deity. Imagine the kraken, but with an extra splash of Japanese mystique! Akkorokamui is truly a sight to behold, or perhaps, to avoid.

The Terrifying Appearance of Akkorokamui

Prepare for a truly massive encounter with Akkorokamui. This giant octopus reportedly stretches up to 120 metres in length. Some legends even suggest its body can span over a hectare. That’s an awful lot of tentacles, isn’t it? Its most striking feature is its vibrant red colour. People say it’s so vivid that it stains the surrounding sea and even the sky. Locals know to steer clear when the water turns crimson. This makes Akkorokamui incredibly easy to spot from a distance.

A Spider’s Tale: Akkorokamui’s Unlikely Origin

Believe it or not, this monstrous octopus might have started life as something entirely different. One intriguing legend tells of Akkorokamui as a gigantic spider. This eight-legged terror, named Yaushikep, once rampaged through a village called Rebunge. It destroyed homes and laid waste to the land. The villagers prayed for salvation. Eventually, a sea god answered their pleas. This deity dragged the mighty spider into the bay. Once submerged, Yaushikep transformed into the enormous octopus we now know as Akkorokamui.

More Than Just a Monster, but as a Kami

While certainly terrifying, this magnificent creature isn’t just a bringer of doom, but also revered as a kami. That’s a divine being in Shinto, for the uninitiated. The Ainu people honour Akkorokamui as a water deity, the true lord of Uchiura Bay. Interestingly, it is said to possess healing powers. Like an octopus, it can regenerate its own limbs. Because of this, offerings are made to Akkorokamui. People hope to heal ailments, particularly limb disfigurements and broken bones. However, don’t get too comfortable. This creature is also described as fickle. It has a knack for causing harm, making it a rather unpredictable god.

Encountering Akkorokamui: A Word of Caution

If you’re ever in Hokkaido, perhaps avoid tempting fate. Akkorokamui is perfectly capable of swallowing entire boats whole. It can even gulp down whales, according to local tales. Fishermen historically carried scythes for protection. The creature’s nature as an octopus means its grip is persistent. Escaping its grasp is nearly impossible without permission. So, when the sea glows red, it’s probably best to stay firmly on dry land. Offerings of fish and crabs are usually a safer bet.

A Modern Echo: Akkorokamui in Pop Culture

Even today, its legend endures, sometimes making a splash in unexpected places. This epic creature has even inspired characters in modern media. For example, an octopus named Akkoro Kamui appears in the popular American animated series, “Bob’s Burgers.” It seems that even outside of Japan, the colossal red octopus continues to capture imaginations. Akkorokamui truly is a legendary figure of the deep.