Name Meaning
Samebito (鮫人) literally means "shark person" in Japanese. He is a sea-dwelling yokai, once a servant of the Dragon King Ryūjin.
- Same (鮫) = Shark
- Bito (人) = Person
Origin
- Appears in the short story “The Gratitude of the Samebito” by Lafcadio Hearn.
- Said to have served Ryūjin in the Dragon Palace beneath the sea.
- Banished to the human world for an unknown offense.
Appearance
- A humanoid shark with deep green-black scales and fiery eyes.
- Has a fearsome mouth filled with sharp teeth.
- Despite his monstrous appearance, his demeanor is kind and humble.
Behavior & Myths
- Weeps tears of blood that crystallize into precious rubies.
- Helped a human man raise a dowry by crying jewels.
- Eventually forgiven by Ryūjin and allowed to return to the sea.
Symbolism
- Represents redemption and the idea that appearances can be deceiving.
- Symbol of loyalty, service, and quiet strength.
