Japan
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Azure Dragon/Green Dragon/Qinglong/Seiryu/Seryu/Shōryū/Meng Chang
The Azure Dragon is a creature that was initially a Chinese symbol and was later adapted into Japanese myth. It is one of the Shijin along with the Vermillion Bird, White Tiger, and the Black Tortoise. It is connected to the East, the colors blue and green (because there wasn’t always a clear distinction between the two), wood and spring. It was thought to represent new life and was connected to the Kamo-Gawa River. It was depicted as a long serpentine dragon with no wings, that was blue, green, or turquoise color, occasionally with a red or black mane. It has the associated mansions (these being associated with the phases…
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Ao Bozu
The Ao Bōzu are Yokai of Japan whose name means “blue monk.” They live in fields, on lonely roads, and in uninhabited houses. They often eat children. They resemble a priest with blue skin and one eye, though the description can vary in size, number of eyes, and where they live. They possess a strong connection to magic. The word “ao” can mean blue or green and often relates to immaturity or inexperience. There are some similarities between this creature and the Hitotsume Kozō. In mythology, one-eyed monsters or lower gods often served the bidding of higher deities. They could be kept at bay with items such as woven baskets…
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Akkorokamui/Atkor Kamuy
Akkorokamui is from Japanese mythology. This creature’s name translates to “string holding kamui,” with string holding referring to its tentacles. It resembles a red octopus measuring 10,000 square meters in size. It was thought to be capable of swallowing ships and even whales in one bite. It was revered as the god of Uchiura Bay and sailors were warned to avoid the water when the sky and sea were red. If you had to be on the water during these times, you had to carry a scythe to protect yourself by cutting the tentacles with it. The origin of this creature is that it was once a giant spider called…
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Aka Manto/Aoi Manto/ Aka Kami/Aoi Hanten/Aoi Kami
Aka Manto is from Japan and is considered to be from modern folklore and urban legend. He haunts women’s restrooms. He stays in the furthest stall and ask the next occupant over if they want blue or red paper. If blue is picked, he hangs the woman. If red is picked, he slashes the woman repeatedly across the back with a blade. Citations: Bane, Theresa. Encyclopedia of Spirits and Ghosts in World Mythology. United States, McFarland, Incorporated, Publishers, 2016
