Umibōzu

Origin and tradition

Edo-period sea captains recorded accounts of 'Sea Bonzes'—colossal monks of darkness who rise from calm oceans to demand tribute.

Illustration in this atlas

A gargantuan, shadow-black silhouette with a smooth orb-like bald head, long snake-like arms, and twin circular eyes glowing like phantom lanterns.

References and further reading

1. yokai.com — Umibōzu

These references offer further reading. Accounts and depictions vary; the atlas illustration is interpretive artwork, rather than historical or scientific evidence.