UMI-BōZU

Lore

Umi-Bozu (literally “sea monk”) is a colossal yokai in Japanese folklore said to haunt the open ocean. According to legend, it surfaces from the depths to overturn the vessels of anyone foolish enough to address it – apparently taking offense at any attempt to speak.

Umi-Bozu’s fame arises from the dread it inspires among all who venture out to sea. The name combines the kanji for “sea” (海, umi) and “Buddhist monk” (坊主, bōzu), referencing the creature’s dome-like head reminiscent of a monk’s shaved scalp. These giant spirits typically manifest as massive black silhouettes; some accounts even note huge arms and glowing eyes, but no visible mouth.

Veteran seafarers advise never to speak with it. Instead, they claim the best move is to lie still in your boat, close your eyes, and pretend to sleep. Anyone who talks to this maritime specter is rumored to be dragged into the abyss—ship and all.