Shigeru Mizuki and His Connection with the Oki Islands
The Connection with the Surname “Mura”
Shigeru Mizuki, the internationally known manga artist and creator of GeGeGe no Kitaro, whose real name was Shigeru Mura, visited the Oki Islands several times during his lifetime.
The surname “Mura” is believed to be connected to the former place name Mura-go in the Nakamura area of Okinoshima Town. The Oki Islands preserve various historical and cultural traditions associated with the name Mura, including the Mura Festival. Mizuki himself was reportedly interested in the idea that his ancestral roots could be traced to the islands.
As part of local community initiatives, a bronze statue of Mizuki was installed in the Nakamura area. This eventually led to the creation of additional yokai statues throughout the Oki Islands, developing a distinctive tourism experience centered on folklore and Mizuki’s artistic world.
A Yokai Road Across the Sea
Sakaiminato in Tottori Prefecture is famous for Mizuki Shigeru Road, a street lined with bronze statues inspired by characters from Mizuki’s works. The Oki Yokai Tour can be seen as a continuation of this yokai-themed journey across the Sea of Japan to the Oki Islands.
Today, a total of 11 yokai bronze statues are located mainly in Okinoshima Town and Nishinoshima Town, giving visitors the opportunity to explore the islands while searching for these unusual characters.
Begin Your Yokai Adventure at Saigo Port
Kitaro, Medama-oyaji, and Nezumi-Otoko Welcome Visitors
Saigo Port is the main gateway to the Oki Islands and provides an ideal starting point for a yokai-themed sightseeing trip. Bronze statues of three famous characters from GeGeGe no Kitaro—Kitaro, Medama-oyaji, and Nezumi-Otoko—welcome visitors arriving at the port.
The setting creates the impression of traveling through a mysterious yokai gateway from the mainland to the Oki Islands. From the moment you arrive, the connection between the islands and Mizuki’s world becomes part of the sightseeing experience.
The area around the port also has tourist information facilities and restaurants, making it a convenient place to begin exploring Dogo Island. The statues are popular photo spots, and many visitors stop to take commemorative pictures.
The “Kitaro Ferry”
The Ferry Shirashima, operated by Oki Kisen and connecting the mainland with the Oki Islands, is popularly known as the “Kitaro Ferry.”
Large illustrations of Kitaro characters decorate the outside of the vessel, while the interior also features yokai artwork and decorations. The journey itself therefore becomes part of the experience, allowing visitors to begin their yokai adventure before even reaching the islands.
Information about the connection between Shigeru Mizuki and the Oki Islands is also displayed on board, providing useful background before exploring the islands.
Discover Yokai Scattered Across the Islands
Kappa
The Yao River near Kappa Park is associated with traditional stories about kappa, a mischievous water creature in Japanese folklore.
Nearby are a small shrine dedicated to Fuku Kappa Daimyojin and a place known as Kappa-buchi, where kappa are said to have lived. These traditions have been preserved by the local community for generations.
The kappa statue standing beside the peaceful river has a friendly and humorous appearance, making it an enjoyable stop for visitors exploring the area.
Biwa Bokuboku
Near Tamawakasu-mikoto Shrine stands the yokai known as Biwa Bokuboku. The character is based on a legend about a highly skilled blind biwa player who eventually became a yokai.
The story connects the character with traditional Japanese music and performing arts. A local belief also associates Biwa Bokuboku with improving one’s sense of rhythm, adding a playful element to the legend.
Gotaimen
At Kokubunji Temple, visitors can encounter a curious yokai called Gotaimen. Its unusual appearance, with limbs emerging directly from its face, makes it particularly memorable.
The creature is said to move somewhat like a crab and is known as a mischievous character. A playful local tradition says that meeting Gotaimen can bring about a “meeting with the person you have in mind.”
Chochin Obake
At Choshi Dam, visitors can find Chochin Obake, a yokai based on a paper lantern that has become possessed by a spirit.
With wings and a face featuring prominent eyes and a smiling mouth, the character has a humorous appearance. The combination of the statue with the peaceful scenery of the reservoir creates a distinctive atmosphere unique to the Oki Islands.
Seko
Near the famous Kabura Cedar stands Seko, a yokai said to resemble a small child around two or three years old.
Seko is known for enjoying imitation and mischief and is traditionally said to live in the mountains. The combination of the enormous ancient cedar and the small yokai statue creates an especially mysterious scene, reflecting the close relationship between nature and folklore in the Oki Islands.
Amabie
Near the Nakamura area stands Amabie, a legendary Japanese creature associated with protection from epidemics.
According to an Edo-period legend, Amabie appeared in the sea off the ancient province of Higo and instructed people to show its image if an epidemic spread. The creature attracted renewed attention throughout Japan during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, and people in the Oki Islands also visited the statue to pray for good health.
Sazae Oni
At Sazae Village, visitors can find Sazae Oni, a yokai said to have originated from a turban shell that lived for many years.
According to the legend, Sazae Oni dances on moonlit nights. Another playful tradition says that meeting this yokai can help improve one’s dancing ability. As a creature associated with a marine shell, Sazae Oni also reflects the Oki Islands’ long connection with the sea and fishing culture.
Yakibihigongen and Medama-oyaji on Nishinoshima
At Beppu Port on Nishinoshima, visitors can find a statue depicting Yakibihigongen and Medama-oyaji.
Yakibihigongen is the deity enshrined at Yakibihigongen Shrine, which has traditionally been revered as a guardian of safe sea travel. Shigeru Mizuki incorporated the legend into his artistic world, creating a character with a distinctive yokai-like appearance associated with the Oki Islands.
The statue has a warm and humorous expression and appears to watch over travelers arriving at the port.
Nanahiro Nyobo Rock in Ama Town
Ama Town does not have a bronze yokai statue, but it is home to a remarkable natural feature associated with a local yokai legend: Nanahiro Nyobo Rock.
According to the legend, a female yokai measuring seven hiro—a traditional Japanese unit of length—was transformed into stone. The enormous rock standing unexpectedly among the surrounding landscape has an impressive presence and offers an intriguing combination of folklore and natural scenery.
It is an interesting destination not only for fans of yokai, but also for travelers looking for unusual landscapes and mysterious local stories.
The Appeal of the Oki Yokai Tour
Where Nature, History, and Folklore Meet
The appeal of the Oki Yokai Tour goes far beyond character sightseeing. The experience brings together the islands’ dramatic natural landscapes, ancient history, mythology, local folk traditions, and the artistic world of Shigeru Mizuki.
The Oki Islands are also home to spectacular natural attractions such as Matengai Cliff, Candle Rock, and Akaiwa. Combining a search for yokai with visits to these scenic destinations allows travelers to experience both the folklore and natural beauty of the islands.
A Living Part of Local Community Culture
For local residents, the yokai culture is more than a tourism project. The statues and stories provide opportunities to share local history and create connections between visitors and the island community.
As you walk through ports, shopping areas, shrine grounds, and quiet rural landscapes, you may find yourself imagining that the yokai are still part of everyday island life. This playful atmosphere is one of the most distinctive aspects of exploring the Oki Islands.
Tips for Enjoying the Oki Yokai Tour
Using a rental car or bicycle can make it easier to explore the various yokai locations, especially when visiting several sites across the islands.
Rather than simply searching for the bronze statues, take time to learn about the legends, history, and landscapes associated with each location. Understanding the stories behind the characters makes the journey much more rewarding.
The atmosphere around the ports can become particularly atmospheric around sunset and after dark, when the scenery takes on a mysterious character that complements the world of yokai.
Follow in the footsteps of Shigeru Mizuki while exploring the landscapes of the Oki Islands, and discover a fascinating journey where yokai, nature, history, and local culture come together.