Japanese Pandemic Mascot

Amabie is one of the Yokai( a Japanese spirit creature).

It is a three-legged, birdlike mermaid emerged from the sea to deliver a prophecy.

According to legend, Amabie appeared in the sea south west of Japan in May 1846 .

When town official was walking around the coast. ,He saw something growing on the sea.

It was Amabie.

Amabie gave him its name and prophesied a good harvest.

And said

“if disease comes, draw me and show me to the people.”

Then it returned to the sea.

This encounter was published in the woodblock print promptly.

It helped to disseminate its image across Japan.

And now 174 years later, as COVID-19 began to more seriously hit Japan, its image has recently resurfaced on social media, bringing hope for an end to the current pandemic.

Amabie, drawn in Edo period. (wikipedia)

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amabie#/media/File:Higo_Amabie.jpg

It became the mascot of the Ministry of Health

https://www.mhlw.go.jp/content/10900000/000620717.jpg

Amabie by creators (Japanese only)

コロナに負けるな！疫病退散！！ いま話題の「アマビエ（アマビコ）」集めてみました♪ イラスト編・グッズ編・お菓子編・つくってみた編