You may have heard of the legend of a Buddhist priestess, of Wakasa province, that lived to 800 years. Interestingly enough, Yao Bikuni (八百比丘尼) did not gain longevity through mantra meditation or a healthy vegetarian diet. Instead, the reason for her prolonged life is because she ate the flesh of a yokai known as ningyo.
The ningyo is a sea yokai that is similar to the mermaids of the world. It has a fish tail as the bottom half and a human as the top. The ningyo is described as having golden shimmering scales and speaks with a soft melodious voice. But, unlike its alluring European counterpart, the Japanese mermaid has monkey-like mouth filled with needle sharp teeth.
Eternal Life
Ancient documents state that, eating the flesh of a ningyo will grant you longevity. The meat are described as having a pleasant taste with no fishy smell. Despite that, to catch a ningyo, intentionally or otherwise, is to bring misfortune to your family. Some records also claim that a ningyo found beached on shore is an omen of natural calamities such as tidal waves, earthquakes and/or typhoons.
The Wakasa legend tells of a man who returned from the mythical land of Hōrai with a special gift. His eldest daughter ate the souvenir which was the meat of a ningyo. Decades past and yet, the girl remained youthful. Eventually, she decided to become a priestess and traveled the nation, spreading the good word.
At the age of 800, Yao Bikuni (八百比丘尼) returned to Wakasa Obama. She entered a cave near the Yakui-mon gate of Kuin-ji Temple, and never left. Many assumed she has peacefully passed away, while few still believed that she is alive and continue to meditate within til this day.
Yokai Details
- name: ningyo (neen-gee-yoh)
- kanji: 人魚 (にんぎょ)
- meaning: human fish or mermaid
- abilities:
- longevity — consuming its flesh prolongs ones natural lifespan
- hex — ability curse its captor with misfortune
