Umibozu (海坊主)

About this Yokai

Umibozu (海坊主) is a mysterious sea yokai said to appear suddenly on dark nights when the ocean is calm. Without warning, the water rises and a massive black figure with the smooth, bald head of a monk emerges from the waves. Sailors feared that the creature would attack ships, overturn boats, or cling to the hull and extinguish onboard fires. Some accounts describe Umibozu appearing alone, while others tell of groups surrounding a vessel. Umibozu is sometimes believed to be the restless spirit of someone who drowned at sea.

Artist’s Note

Instead of being fearsome, my Umibozu is portrayed with a sense of humor. I painted him with a playful spirit, using hands shaped like waves to toy with an abandoned ghost ship.