Namazu (鯰)

Name Meaning

Overview

Namazu (鯰) means "catfish" in Japanese and refers to the legendary giant catfish believed to cause earthquakes when it moves underground.

• Namazu = Catfish

Origin

• Derived from ancient Japanese mythology and Shinto beliefs.
• Linked to the god Kashima who restrains Namazu with a magical stone.
• Became especially popular in folklore after the 1855 Edo earthquake.

Appearance

• Depicted as an enormous catfish with a long body and whiskers.
• Sometimes shown with expressive eyes and a mischievous grin.
• Appears in woodblock prints surrounded by destruction or gods.

Behavior & Myths

• Lives beneath the earth and causes earthquakes by thrashing its tail.
• Kept under control by the deity Kashima with a sacred rock (kaname-ishi).
• Sometimes viewed as a force of retribution or cleansing.

Symbolism

• Represents the unpredictability of nature and seismic activity.
• Also associated with wealth redistribution following disasters.
• Featured in satirical art and Edo-period political commentary.