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