Shachihoko
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Shachi on top of the roof of Nagoya Castle
A shachihoko float used in Karatsu Kunchi festival
A shachihoko (鯱鉾 or 鯱) or shachi (鯱) is an animal in Japanese folklore with the head of a tiger and the body of a carp.[1] It was believed that this animal could cause the rain to fall, and as such, temples and castles were often adorned with roof ornaments (shibi) crafted in the form of a shachihoko, in order to protect them from fire.
When pronounced "shachi", 鯱 also means orca.[2]
Japanese female idol group Team Syachihoko is using the animal in its name and logo.
See also[edit]
References[edit]
External links[edit]
Media related to Shachi at Wikimedia Commons
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