Japan’s Earthquake Myth: The Legend of the Giant Catfish
Japan is a land shaped by fire and earth. Situated on the Ring of Fire, the archipelago is no stranger to seismic activity. While modern science points to tectonic plates shifting beneath the surface, ancient Japanese culture looked to the depths of the mythology to explain the terrifying ground-shaking phenomenon. Enter Namazu, the giant catfish believed to carry the weight of Japan on its back.
For travelers and culture enthusiasts, understanding the myth of Namazu offers a fascinating glimpse into how the Japanese people have historically coped with, understood, and respected the volatile nature of their homeland.
Origins of the Shaking Earth
Before plate tectonics became common knowledge, the Japanese turned to Shinto animism and folklore to explain natural disasters. In the earliest historical texts, earthquakes were often attributed to the movement of dragons or the anger of generalized earth deities.
However, the specific association with a catfish evolved over time. By the Edo period (1603–1868), the legend of Namazu had solidified. The shift from dragons to catfish is often attributed to the fish’s erratic behavior before tremors—a biological sensitivity that ancient people observed and mythologized. The myth reached its peak popularity following the catastrophic Great Ansei Edo Earthquake of 1855, leading to an explosion of woodblock prints known as namazu-e (catfish prints), which served as charms of protection and satirical social commentary.
The Legend: Kashima and the Keystone
According to the most enduring version of the myth, a gigantic catfish named Namazu lives in the mud beneath the Japanese islands. When Namazu wiggles his massive tail or thrashes about, the violent movement sends shockwaves up through the earth, resulting in earthquakes.
To keep the country safe, the god Takemikazuchi (enshrined at Kashima Jingu) restrains the beast. He accomplishes this by pinning Namazu’s head down with a massive stone known as the Kaname-ishi (Keystone). As long as Takemikazuchi maintains his vigil and keeps the heavy stone pressed upon the catfish, the earth remains quiet.
However, even gods must rest. The legend says that when Takemikazuchi lets his guard down, falls asleep, or leaves to attend the annual gathering of gods in Izumo, the restraints loosen. Namazu seizes the opportunity to thrash about, causing the devastating earthquakes that have punctuated Japanese history.
Modern Culture and Symbolism
One might assume such an old myth would vanish in the high-tech era of modern Japan, yet Namazu remains a potent cultural symbol. The giant catfish has transformed from a monster of destruction into a mascot of disaster preparedness.
The Warning Logo
If you travel through Japan today, look closely at signs for the Japan Meteorological Agency or various disaster prevention apps. Many use a stylized catfish image as their logo for Earthquake Early Warnings. It is a nod to the ancient belief that the catfish moves before the ground does.
Art and Media
Namazu appears frequently in anime, manga, and video games (such as Pokémon’s Whiscash, known as Namazun in Japanese), often depicted with the capability to use “Earthquake” attacks. This continuity ensures that even the youngest generations are familiar with the mythological roots of their geological reality.
Traveler’s Tips: Where to Find the Myth
If you want to connect with this piece of folklore during your travels, there is one essential destination.
Kashima Jingu (Ibaraki Prefecture): Located about two hours from Tokyo, this is one of the oldest and most significant shrines in the Kanto region. Here, you can visit the actual Kaname-ishi (Keystone). While the visible part of the stone is small and protrudes only slightly from the ground, folklore claims it is the tip of a massive rock that goes deep into the earth to pin the catfish. Legend says that even if you dig for seven days and seven nights, you will never reach the bottom of the stone.
Travel Tip: Visit the shrine’s treasure hall to see ancient swords, and walk through the serene forest path to the Keystone. It is a quiet, spiritual place to reflect on the power of nature.
Sources & Further Reading
To deepen your understanding of the deities involved in this myth, the following historical texts and locations are recommended:
- The Kojiki (Records of Ancient Matters) & The Nihon Shoki (The Chronicles of Japan): These 8th-century texts do not explicitly detail the Namazu legend in its Edo-period form, but they introduce Takemikazuchi, the thunder/sword god who later became the jailor of the catfish. They also detail the origins of the earth deities (Nai-no-Kami) that preceded the catfish myth.
- Kashima Jingu Shrine Records: For specific local lore regarding the Kaname-ishi and the containment of the catfish.
- Royal Ontario Museum (ROM): Holds a significant collection of namazu-e (catfish prints) from the 1855 era, many of which can be viewed in digital archives.