Social functions of Yokai, considering Amabie as an example, during the COVID-19 calamity

Abstract

The purposes of this study are to clarify the relationship between attitudes toward Amabie (folkloric mermaid -like creature) during the COVID-19 calamity and traditional values, including everyday religious activities in Japan, and to explore the social functions of Yokai (Japanese supernatural creature and phenomena). Although Yokai have historically had both religious and entertainment roles, recent studies have shown that contemporary Yokai are only seen as entertainment. In Japan, however, Amabie has been attracting public attention for its historic ability to repulse plagues and therefore seems to have social functions other than entertainment. Study 1 used newspaper articles and other supporting materials to investigate the social prevalence of Amabie and the way people relate to it. Study 2 investigated attitudes towards Amabie and traditional values. The results suggested that with the expectations that Amabie could drive the plague off, Amabie evoked not only positive but also negative impressions, and for that reason, it might be accepted as a Yokai. This showed that the function of Yokai may change depending on the situation.