Name Meaning
Ayakashi (綾かし) is a general term for mysterious apparitions, but it is also used specifically to refer to a sea monster known as the ikuchi — a massive, eel-like yōkai that glides over ships at sea, covering them in oil.
- 綾 (Aya) = Pattern, elegance
- かし (Kashi) = Mysterious or strange thing
Origin
- Appears in Edo-period yōkai encyclopedias, including works by Toriyama Sekien.
- Linked with seafaring legends where sailors report being coated in oil by ghostly entities during storms.
Appearance
- Described as a gigantic, serpentine sea creature.
- Its body can stretch for miles, undulating slowly over boats.
- Leaves behind a thick, sticky, oily residue that can swamp the vessel.
Behavior
- Glides silently over boats, often during fog or at night.
- Its oily trail can cause ships to sink or be damaged.
- Seen as an omen of danger, storms, or spiritual imbalance at sea.
Symbolism
- Represents the unpredictable and supernatural dangers of the sea.
- Symbolizes pollution, mystery, and the ghostly realm of ocean spirits.
- Sometimes thought to be a guardian of ancient sea routes or a test of humility for sailors.
