In #JapaneseFolklore#FolkloreSunday#yokai 1/2

Very interesting! And I was likewise interested in learning that the word 人魚 predates the Meiji period. And it makes sense! If such a word had been coined to translate the Western concept of 'mermaid', I'm sure it'd have been 魚人 (fish-like person) whereas a 人魚 is a person-like fish!

...most people won't take the risk as ningyo can put powerful curses on those who try to catch or kill them. There are some legends of towns being destroyed by earthquakes or tsunamis after fishermen had caught ningyo. 🎨Matthew Meyer 2/2