One of the most enjoyable parts of studying folklore is learning about the similarities and differences between different cultures. Japan is pretty well know for having wild and weird folkloric creatures, and I love pointing out how unique Japanese folklore is, but even Japan has a fair number of creatures that share a lot in common with folkloric beasts in other countries. (Yurei, yama uba, kijo, oni, and onibi being just a few of them…)

Tonight’s yokai, Ikuchi, is a particularly fun one. Sea serpents are common lore in many cultures, but what makes ikuchi so interesting to me is that it is not so violent, and more just naturally dangerous. Sea serpent legends often depict violent, raging sea creatures which rise up to tear ships apart and eat the sailors. Ikuchi, on the other hand, is a slow danger, smoothly slithering over ships without directly destroying them. The danger comes not from the creature’s temper, but from the gallons of heavy oil seeping from its body which threaten to capsize the ship.

This presents another interesting point: the problems presented by this yokai are not solved through great strength or fortitude, or through magical prowess or divine intervention. They are solved through diligence and hard work. There are no heroic warriors like in Norse sagas. They are not saved by their faith like in religious folklore. They are saved by the work ethic that Japan is so famous for. How appropriate and unique is that!

Click below to read more about ikuchi on yokai.com.

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