Exploring Namazu-e: Japan’s Legendary Earthquake Catfish
Japan is a land rich in folklore, where spirits and mythological creatures inhabit everything from mountains to household objects. Among these legends, few are as specific to the geological reality of the archipelago as the Namazu, a giant underground catfish believed to cause earthquakes. Following the catastrophic natural disasters of the 19th century, a unique genre of woodblock prints known as Namazu-e (Catfish Prints) emerged. These prints are not just art; they are a window into how Edo-period Japan processed trauma, humor, and social change.
The Origins of Namazu-e
The phenomenon of Namazu-e exploded onto the scene in the wake of the Ansei Edo Earthquake of 1855. On the night of November 11, a massive quake struck Edo (modern-day Tokyo), causing widespread destruction and claiming thousands of lives. In the days and weeks that followed, hundreds of varieties of woodblock prints featuring the giant catfish flooded the market.
Unlike traditional ukiyo-e landscapes or portraits of actors, Namazu-e were unsigned, illegal, and ephemeral. They served multiple purposes: some were bought as talismans (omamori) to ward off future quakes, while others were deeply satirical. The citizens of Edo used these images to express their frustration with the government or to mock the wealthy merchants who hoarded resources. In a time before modern seismology, these prints were a psychological coping mechanism for a terrified population.
The Legend of the Namazu
To understand the prints, one must understand the myth. According to Japanese folklore, the islands of Japan sit upon the back of a colossal catfish named Namazu. Under normal circumstances, the catfish is kept under control by the deity Takemikazuchi (a god of thunder and swords), who pins the fish down using a massive stone known as the Kaname-ishi (Keystone).
The legend suggests that earthquakes occur when Takemikazuchi lets his guard down—perhaps to attend a gathering of the gods or simply falling asleep. In his absence, the Namazu thrashes about, shaking the earth above.
In Namazu-e, this narrative is often depicted literally. You might see the god wrestling the catfish, or the catfish apologizing to the people for the destruction. Interestingly, the catfish is not always the villain. In some prints, the Namazu is portrayed as a “world-rectifier” (yonaoshi), shaking down the wealthy to redistribute money to the working class, such as carpenters and plasterers who profited from the rebuilding efforts.
Modern Culture and the Catfish
While the superstition of the giant catfish has faded in the face of tectonic science, the symbol remains a potent icon in modern Japanese culture. The legacy of Namazu-e lives on, not as a source of fear, but as a symbol of disaster preparedness.
Today, the image of the catfish is the official logo for Japan’s Earthquake Early Warning system utilized by the Japan Meteorological Agency. If you travel through Japan, you might spot cute, cartoonish versions of the Namazu on construction signs or disaster prevention posters. The creature has transformed from a monster of destruction into a guardian of safety.
Traveler’s Tips: Finding the Namazu
If you are fascinated by this intersection of geology and mythology, there are specific spots in Japan where you can connect with the legend of the Namazu.
1. Kashima Jingu (Ibaraki Prefecture)
This ancient shrine is the spiritual home of the legend. It is dedicated to Takemikazuchi, the deity who restrains the catfish. Visitors can walk through the forest to see the actual Kaname-ishi, the tip of the mystical rock said to pin the catfish’s head. Though it looks small on the surface, legend says it is impossible to dig out.
2. Kator Jingu (Chiba Prefecture)
Located nearby, this shrine houses the “tail” stone, which supposedly pins the tail of the catfish. Visiting both shrines is considered a pilgrimage for protection against disasters.
3. Museum Collections
While you cannot buy original Namazu-e on the street anymore, the Edo-Tokyo Museum (check renovation status before visiting) and the National Museum of Japanese History in Sakura City often display these prints in their permanent or special folklore exhibitions.
Sources & Further Reading
For those interested in the deep history of Japanese mythology and the roots of the Takemikazuchi legend, the ancient texts are essential reading:
- The Kojiki (Records of Ancient Matters): For the origins of Shinto gods.
- The Nihon Shoki (Chronicles of Japan): For historical context on the Yamato court and early deities.
- Smits, Gregory. “Shaking up Japan: Edo Society and the 1855 Catfish Picture Prints”: An excellent academic resource for understanding the socio-political context of the prints.
Exploring the world of Namazu-e offers a fascinating glimpse into the resilience of the Japanese people. It reminds us that even in the face of devastating natural forces, culture finds a way to create art, humor, and meaning.