Name Meaning
Sazae-oni (栄螺鬼) literally means “turban shell demon.” It refers to a yokai that disguises itself as a beautiful woman to deceive humans.
- Sazae (栄螺) = Turban shell (a type of sea snail)
- Oni (鬼) = Demon
Origin
- Legends often tell of the sazae-oni appearing on coastal shores, particularly in western Japan.
- Frequently tied to cautionary tales involving lust and deception at sea.
- Thought to emerge after a turban snail lives to a great age and gains magical powers.
Appearance
- In disguise: an alluring woman, often found alone on the shore.
- True form: a grotesque hybrid of a sea snail and demon, with sharp features and a hard shell.
- Can emerge from or retreat into her shell at will.
Behavior & Myths
- Preys on pirates or men who take her aboard, later transforming and attacking them.
- One tale tells of her tricking sailors, cutting off their testicles, and trading them for gold.
- Sometimes used as a lesson about lust, greed, and the supernatural dangers of the sea.
Symbolism
- Symbol of hidden danger, especially from beauty or temptation.
- Embodies nature's power to deceive and punish arrogance.
- Linked to transformation and justice in some regional folklore.
