SoraNews24 —Japan News—
Bringing you yesterday's news from Japan and Asia, today.
-
TOP
» Japan
-
» New conspiracy theory emerges that Shinzo Abe is legendary yokai Amabie
Featured
- Weird
- Studio Ghibli
- Jobs
New conspiracy theory emerges that Shinzo Abe is legendary yokai Amabie
Master Blaster May 29, 2020- Tweet

Alright, now hear me out on this one…
In early March of this year, an often overlooked traditional Japanese monster known as a “yokai” became an overnight sensation for its purported ability to ward off epidemics. Named Amabie, it once told a human in 1846 that if an epidemic were to ever break out, then they should draw a picture of it and show it to as many people as possible to help stop the spread.
コロナが世界中に広がり大変な毎日が続いていますが、熊本には守り神がいます。
「もし疫病が流行することがあれば、私の姿を描いた絵を人々に早々に見せよ」
江戸時代に熊本の海に現れた妖怪アマビエ。
デマではなく伝承です(笑)#Shirasagiso #アマビエ pic.twitter.com/S8eSYkA849— ホテルしらさぎ 熊本県玉名市 (@shirasagiso) March 11, 2020
Sure, it was a long shot, but what harm could drawing a picture of a weird mermaid thing do? So, thousands of people in Japan, from acclaimed manga artists to donut makers, began to create their own depictions of Amabie and show everyone thanks to the power of the Internet.
やってやるぜ! #アマビエ pic.twitter.com/WxA43wgCkj
— 寺岡賢司 TERAOKA Kenji (@kanatoko28) March 14, 2020
It was all harmless fun in the spirit of helping and protecting each other. But much like a biological virus, the viral trend of Amabie began to mutate into something far more unsettling than a three legged sea monster.
https://twitter.com/chondroitin1212/status/1265515873382608897
That above tweet is more than just a…I don’t know what that would be normally, but fans of anagrams might immediately notice that “AMABIE” is but one errant “I” away from “I AM ABE.” Ergo vis-à-vis ipso facto prima face ad inifnitum: Abe is Amabie.
You just can’t argue with that much logic and Latin.
▼ “I love that ‘Amabie’ is an anagram for ‘I am Abe.'”
https://twitter.com/1e_o_/status/1265610493747585025
As you might expect, the details about how the Prime Minister of Japan is a 170-plus-year-old monster are murky. However, the two prevailing theories are that the original Amabie tale was actually prophesying the rise of Shinzo Abe to power at the time of an epidemic, or that Abe or someone in his administration leaked the Amabie story to subliminally generate support for him through the potent magic of foreign-language anagrams.
Yeah, I know…but let’s reserve judgement until we hear from others online.
“‘Ama Ebi’ [sweet shrimp] can also become ‘I am Abe’ so…”
“If people are seriously thinking this, then we have a problem on our hands.”
“Life is just like a cheap detective novel.”
“I heard that COVID-19 affects the brain as well.”
“Some people just have Abe on the mind all the time.”
“But my name is Abe too…”
“This is the stupidest thing I’ve ever read.”
“Too much self-isolation for some people.”
“I think the subliminal trick failed.”
Indeed, if this is a conspiracy by the Abe government to get us to love him by proxy of a goblin-like creature, it might very well have been the most ineffective conspiracy in human history.
▼ The Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare even adopted Amabie as a mascot for their posters
Image: Wikipedia/Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare
Public support for the PM during this crisis has been hitting record lows and in a recent worldwide poll asking citizens of 23 countries about their satisfaction with political leadership at this time, Japan ranked the least satisfied. Considering some of the pieces of work out there ruling nations, that’s saying a lot.
▼ Although widely criticized by the WHO for his failures to contain outbreaks in Latveria, Dr. Doom largely pins the blame on “those meddlesome do-gooders the Fantastic 4”
In Abe’s defense, his administrative hands were largely tied when it came to enforcing lockdowns. That being said, it’s still hard not to feel that more could have been done.
A state of emergency was enacted, extended, and lifted, and I still haven’t gotten my comically undersized, bug-filled masks I was promised, and he’s treating his economic relief plan with all the urgency of my brother who owes me five bucks.
I find it hard to believe the real Amabie would do me like this.
Source: Tokyo Sports, Itai News, With News, Niconico News
Top image: ©SoraNews24
● Want to hear about SoraNews24’s latest articles as soon as they’re published? Follow us on Facebook and Twitter!
Like this:
Like Loading…
- Japan
- (Amabie • anagrams • conspiracy theories • coronavirus • COVID-19 • politics • Shinzo Abe • yokai)
Related Stories
Fukuoka town erects 7-meter gorilla scarecrow as symbol of strength against COVID-19
Government announces it will throw away useless “Abenomasks,” triggers surge in demand
- Katana that shoot flames are real in amazing Japanese artist’s video series【Videos】
- Makoto Shinkai fixes “shocking” visual mistake for Weathering with You’s Blu-ray release
- Trackbacks (0)
Trackbacks
- There are no trackbacks yet.
- Trackback URL
Trending Today
- Ichiran releases an at-home counter kit that turns your desk into a ramen restaurant
- Starbucks Japan releases new Bearista glass tumbler that changes character with every drink
- Yesterday’s cooking oil powers 410,000 pink winter sakura lights along Tokyo’s Meguro River
- Tokyo police arrest the Ame-zing Spider-Man
- Ichiran Japan is giving away free 2027 desk calendars, and here’s how to get them
- Life-size Gundam head going on display in Osaka, hopefully will find permanent home
- Starbucks Japan reveals new Joyful Capsule gacha toy release date
- KFC now sells takikomi gohan rice boxes in Japan, if you know where to look for them [Taste test]
- Move aside, Asahi Super Dry – Asahi Spice Beer is in town, and it’s hotter than you think
- Family Mart releases 47 convenience store socks and stickers, one for every prefecture in Japan
- Katana that shoot flames are real in amazing Japanese artist’s video series【Videos】
- Makoto Shinkai fixes “shocking” visual mistake for Weathering with You’s Blu-ray release
-
Recent Posts
- Cup Noodles go isekai in crossovers with three of Japan’s other favorite foods [Taste test]
- Ichiran Japan is giving away free 2027 desk calendars, and here’s how to get them
- Yesterday’s cooking oil powers 410,000 pink winter sakura lights along Tokyo’s Meguro River
- Life-size Gundam head going on display in Osaka, hopefully will find permanent home
- Tokyo police arrest the Ame-zing Spider-Man
-
MOST POPULAR
- Today
- Weekly
- Monthly
- Yearly
Today
Ichiran releases an at-home counter kit that turns your desk into a ramen restaurant
Starbucks Japan releases new Bearista glass tumbler that changes character with every drink
Yesterday’s cooking oil powers 410,000 pink winter sakura lights along Tokyo’s Meguro River
Tokyo police arrest the Ame-zing Spider-Man
Ichiran Japan is giving away free 2027 desk calendars, and here’s how to get them
Life-size Gundam head going on display in Osaka, hopefully will find permanent home
Starbucks Japan reveals new Joyful Capsule gacha toy release date
KFC now sells takikomi gohan rice boxes in Japan, if you know where to look for them [Taste test]
Move aside, Asahi Super Dry – Asahi Spice Beer is in town, and it’s hotter than you think
Family Mart releases 47 convenience store socks and stickers, one for every prefecture in Japan
Weekly
Tokyo cracks down on Airbnb-style rentals with new laws limiting operator days and more
Ichiran releases an at-home counter kit that turns your desk into a ramen restaurant
America’s first-ever permanent One Piece store is now open [Photos]
Tokyo neighborhood adds new “smart trash cans” to deal with increasing amounts of tourist litter
Two Tokyo neighborhoods to gather on bridge and shift their recognized border through tug-of-war
Starbucks Japan unveils new winter drinkware collection with limited-edition Stanley cups
New Era celebrates three decades of Pokémon with new 30th anniversary cap line [Photos]
Pokémon card game’s expansion features art from Fist of the North Star creator
Starbucks Japan reveals new Joyful Capsule gacha toy release date
Japanese hoodie for cat-loving gamers will keep you and your feline friend warm and fuzzy [Pics]
Monthly
Pokémon Company announces first-ever permanent Pokémon store to open outside Asia
Japan ends tax-free shopping system for foreign tourists, new refund request system now in effect
Japan’s TeamLab digital art group is opening a permanent museum in America
Beautiful Ghibli diorama kits lets you build anime characters’ homes inside yours [Photos]
Family Mart releases 47 convenience store socks and stickers, one for every prefecture in Japan
Chainsaw robots helping keep trains running safely in east Japan [Video]
New Studio Ghibli anime gets extended run at the only cinema in Japan where it’s being shown
Osaka’s famous Glico Running Man will be removed and replaced with a new-look sign
Tokyo cracks down on Airbnb-style rentals with new laws limiting operator days and more
Studio Ghibli creates illustrated Kyoto sightseeing map, available at any 7-Eleven Japan store
Yearly
Japan announces sudden 400-percent increase in visa fees for foreigners entering the country
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Studio Ghibli has a new anime out, and there’s only one place in the world where you can see it
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Tokyo subway installing new ticket gates that don’t accept payment through Suica or other IC cards
Japanese ninja certification exam attracts 131 candidates from Japan and abroad
Salomon releases Japan-exclusive Mt. Fuji hiking gear that doubles as an amazing souvenir
Japan reportedly adding Japanese language skill requirement to most common foreigner work visa
-
RECOMMENDED STORIES
-
-
Categories
Categories Select Category Africa (33) Anime & Manga (193) Art (64) Australia (42) C America (9) C Asia (17) Canada (59) Cats (72) China (847) Culture (180) Cute (187) Entertainment (248) Europe (345) FN24 (1) Food & Drink (314) Games & Tech (167) Global (1,073) India (11) Internet (2,198) Italy (13) Japan (34,596) Korea (375) Lifestyle (76) Mexico (6) Music (12) N Asia (4) New Zealand (11) News (61) North Korea (72) Oceania (10) Russia (56) S America (33) S Asia (66) SE Asia (378) Space (2) Taiwan (203) UK (18) Uncategorized (19) USA (979) W Asia (25)
-
Archives
Archives Select Month November 2026 (65) October 2026 (144) September 2026 (156) August 2026 (174) July 2026 (197) June 2026 (174) May 2026 (138) April 2026 (142) March 2026 (150) February 2026 (124) January 2026 (138) December 2025 (136) November 2025 (136) October 2025 (151) September 2025 (154) August 2025 (143) July 2025 (158) June 2025 (165) May 2025 (162) April 2025 (181) March 2025 (157) February 2025 (127) January 2025 (139) December 2024 (148) November 2024 (149) October 2024 (153) September 2024 (154) August 2024 (158) July 2024 (156) June 2024 (150) May 2024 (166) April 2024 (150) March 2024 (157) February 2024 (169) January 2024 (159) December 2023 (165) November 2023 (166) October 2023 (166) September 2023 (173) August 2023 (183) July 2023 (171) June 2023 (180) May 2023 (158) April 2023 (152) March 2023 (167) February 2023 (160) January 2023 (171) December 2022 (175) November 2022 (176) October 2022 (179) September 2022 (191) August 2022 (202) July 2022 (193) June 2022 (178) May 2022 (178) April 2022 (181) March 2022 (212) February 2022 (199) January 2022 (224) December 2021 (230) November 2021 (214) October 2021 (215) September 2021 (238) August 2021 (225) July 2021 (207) June 2021 (218) May 2021 (209) April 2021 (206) March 2021 (225) February 2021 (209) January 2021 (224) December 2020 (225) November 2020 (224) October 2020 (231) September 2020 (238) August 2020 (227) July 2020 (220) June 2020 (209) May 2020 (215) April 2020 (238) March 2020 (235) February 2020 (222) January 2020 (233) December 2019 (187) November 2019 (214) October 2019 (237) September 2019 (195) August 2019 (205) July 2019 (183) June 2019 (201) May 2019 (231) April 2019 (192) March 2019 (242) February 2019 (211) January 2019 (238) December 2018 (212) November 2018 (217) October 2018 (214) September 2018 (203) August 2018 (217) July 2018 (218) June 2018 (208) May 2018 (204) April 2018 (193) March 2018 (216) February 2018 (192) January 2018 (223) December 2017 (204) November 2017 (209) October 2017 (218) September 2017 (209) August 2017 (228) July 2017 (222) June 2017 (245) May 2017 (229) April 2017 (197) March 2017 (165) February 2017 (151) January 2017 (180) December 2016 (260) November 2016 (267) October 2016 (302) September 2016 (387) August 2016 (351) July 2016 (379) June 2016 (379) May 2016 (312) April 2016 (347) March 2016 (414) February 2016 (379) January 2016 (359) December 2015 (359) November 2015 (378) October 2015 (435) September 2015 (419) August 2015 (152) July 2015 (218) June 2015 (179) May 2015 (237) April 2015 (223) March 2015 (119) February 2015 (121) January 2015 (394) December 2014 (376) November 2014 (376) October 2014 (414) September 2014 (349) August 2014 (379) July 2014 (316) June 2014 (375) May 2014 (384) April 2014 (354) March 2014 (318) February 2014 (284) January 2014 (270) December 2013 (224) November 2013 (242) October 2013 (244) September 2013 (226) August 2013 (241) July 2013 (214) June 2013 (222) May 2013 (191) April 2013 (173) March 2013 (149) February 2013 (85) January 2013 (106) December 2012 (111) November 2012 (149) October 2012 (151) September 2012 (118) August 2012 (99) July 2012 (56) June 2012 (57) May 2012 (54) April 2012 (62) March 2012 (40) February 2012 (27) January 2012 (24) December 2011 (18) November 2011 (12) October 2011 (1) September 2011 (9) August 2011 (11) March 2011 (1)
-
- About Us | Jobs | Contact | Contribution | Partner with Us
© SoraNews24 —Japan News— / SOCIO CORPORATION
- Advertise |
- About Us |
- Work with us |
- Contact |
- Contribution |
%d
