Oct 29, 2022
“The Japanese words in the illustration say:
– Toddbie-sama
– Ekibyou Taisan = Plague Off
The story of the Amabie (pronounced Ah-mah-bee-ey) first appeared in an 1846 woodcut. The Amabie is a kind of Yokai, a supernatural creature, described as resembling a mermaid or merman, with three fin-like legs, long hair, and the head of a bird. The Amabie gave special instructions that a drawing of itself should be shown to prevent illness or to cure those who are ill. The Amabie is a symbol of protection from plague and evil.
Illustration created by Akiko Hattori.”
