Akkorokamui (アッコロカムイ): is a gigantic octopus-like monster from Ainu folklore, which supposedly lurks in Funka Bay in Hokkaidō and has been allegedly sighted in several locations including Taiwan and Korea since the 19th century.
The coloration of the Akkorokamui is said to be a STRIKING RED, often described as glowing and sometimes likened to the color of the reflection of the setting sun upon the water.
Due to its coloration and immense size, it is visible from great distances. It is possibly a giant squid or an octopus like creature.
Akkorokamui is characteristically described with the ability to self-amputate, like several octopus species, and regenerate limbs. This characteristic manifests in the belief in Shinto that Akkorokamui has healing powers. Consequently, it is believed among followers that giving offerings to Akkorokamui will heal ailments of the body, in particular, disfigurements and broken limbs. Nade yakushi is housed within the Takoyakushi-do, a shrine dedicated to Nade yakushi, along the street Teramachi-dori, meaning “Temple town,” in Kyoto. This deity receives visits by thousands of individuals per year wishing for healing. At the shrine, Nade yakushi is physically manifested as a statue of an octopus-like creature. When the left hand of an individual touches the limbs of the statue, the individual’s ailments, both mental and physical, are removed.
The coloration of the Akkorokamui is said to be a STRIKING RED, often described as glowing and sometimes likened to the color of the reflection of the setting sun upon the water.
Due to its coloration and immense size, it is visible from great distances. It is possibly a giant squid or an octopus like creature.
Akkorokamui is characteristically described with the ability to self-amputate, like several octopus species, and regenerate limbs. This characteristic manifests in the belief in Shinto that Akkorokamui has healing powers. Consequently, it is believed among followers that giving offerings to Akkorokamui will heal ailments of the body, in particular, disfigurements and broken limbs. Nade yakushi is housed within the Takoyakushi-do, a shrine dedicated to Nade yakushi, along the street Teramachi-dori, meaning “Temple town,” in Kyoto. This deity receives visits by thousands of individuals per year wishing for healing. At the shrine, Nade yakushi is physically manifested as a statue of an octopus-like creature. When the left hand of an individual touches the limbs of the statue, the individual’s ailments, both mental and physical, are removed.
Location: Fumka Bay, Hokkaido, Japan
T. Joseph Surjan - design scientist & writer
S. Hjelte Fumanelli - project architect & digital modeling
T. Joseph Surjan - design scientist & writer
S. Hjelte Fumanelli - project architect & digital modeling