Akuru: Japan's Monstrous Fish Yokai That Ate Ships

Unravelling Akuru: Japan’s Original Mega-Shark?

Ever fancied a swim in the Seto Inland Sea? You might want to think twice if you’re worried about things with very, very big appetites. We’re diving deep into the tales of Akuru, or 悪樓, a terrifying entity from Japanese mythology. Now, before you start picturing a plucky anime character with a pinwheel, let’s be crystal clear: we are *not* talking about the modern Akuru from *Yashahime: Princess Half-Demon*. Nor are we discussing the rather mundane Japanese word ‘akuru’ meaning ‘next’ or ‘following’. This Akuru is a monstrous fish yokai, an ancient evil god that once terrorised the seas. Rather unsettling, isn’t it?

What Exactly is Akuru (悪樓)?

Imagine a fish so gargantuan it makes a great white shark look like a goldfish. That’s Akuru for you. Described as both a giant fish and an evil god, this beast had a penchant for swallowing entire ships in a single gulp. Its name, 悪樓, can even be translated to “evil watchtower,” which gives you a pretty good idea of its imposing presence. It lurked in the Seto Inland Sea, particularly off what is now Okayama Prefecture, and was also known as Anato no Akujin, the ‘evil god of Anato’. Not the kind of neighbour you’d want, really.

Ancient Origins of the Akuru Legend

The story of this colossal creature is steeped in Japan’s oldest mythical chronicles. You’ll find mentions of such monstrous fish in texts like the *Kojiki* and *Nihon Shoki*. Curiously, the specific name ‘Akuru’ doesn’t seem to pop up until the 20th century in local folklore, even if the terrifying fish-god itself is ancient.

Some scholars suggest that these ‘evil gods’ or ‘river gods’ conquered by ancient heroes might not have been supernatural beings at all.
Instead, they could have been highly imaginative portrayals of actual historical figures.
Think formidable bandits or ruthless pirates challenging the central government.
These troublesome humans were perhaps transformed into fearsome yokai by storytellers for symbolic impact. It’s a rather clever way to demonise your enemies, wouldn’t you say?

Yamato Takeru: The Hero Who Faced Akuru

Every fearsome beast needs a legendary hero to put it in its place, right? For Akuru, that hero was none other than Prince Yamato Takeru. Son of Emperor Keikō, this warrior prince was quite busy subjugating various tribes and ‘evil spirits’ across Japan.

On his return journey from conquering the Kumaso people, Yamato Takeru sailed through the Seto Inland Sea.
His ship was suddenly attacked by the enormous Akuru.
Before it could gobble him up, the prince, being the daring sort, leapt onto the monster’s back.
He clung on as Akuru thrashed about, repeatedly slashing it with his trusty sword until the beast was finally slain. Talk about a fish supper!

Akuru’s Enduring (and Hungry) Legacy

While Akuru might have met its untimely end at the tip of a hero’s blade, its legend lives on. It serves as a stark reminder of the unknown terrors lurking in the deep. This monstrous yokai embodies the primal fear of the ocean’s vast, dark mysteries. It’s certainly a compelling tale from Japan’s rich tapestry of scary things. So, next time you’re by the sea, perhaps cast a wary eye over the horizon. Just in case a descendant of Akuru fancies a snack.