Dear Diary,

I hope you're not planning on taking us on any cruises or yacht tours, Diary, because after learning about the legend of the Umibozu, I will never set foot on a boat again. First of all, I don’t even like being out on the ocean to begin with - it's scary, there's fish and other strange creatures, and I don't want to be hanging off the edge of the yacht, green with seasickness. And the second most important thing - Umibozu, or sea priest, who haunts the depths of the sea. 

Umibozu isn't just some mindless monster wreaking havoc for the fun of it. Nah, it's got a whole backstory, complete with tragic origins and a hint of redemption. Legend has it that Umibozu used to be a wicked priest who got punished for his sins by being cast into the sea. Now he's out there, haunting sailors and causing mischief in the most dramatic way possible. Taking the form of a giant, black, featureless head, Umibozu sneaks up on sailing ships in the middle of the night and destroys them.

Like many other legends in Japanese folklore, there's always a chance you can confuse the monster/spirit with something as simple as a piece of fruit. For Umibozu, you might be able to escape if it asks for a barrel. Most of the time this spirit will sink the ship without a second thought. If you are lucky and it decides to slowly drown you one barrel at a time, you quickly give it a barrel without a bottom. Easy as that. So while Umibozu is busy with the barrel, you can make your escape. 

I can't help but wonder what it would be like to come face to face with Umibozu. Would I be terrified out of my wits or weirdly fascinated by its otherworldly presence? Either way, I won't know because I won't be floating out onto large bodies of water anytime soon, thanks. 

Until then, you’ll see me by the swim-up bar instead, 

Xoxo, 

Maria