Every country in lockdown has had a unique response to COVID-19. Italians serenaded their neighbours across balconies, Indians clanged pots and pans, Canadians applauded medical staff through the night and the Lebanese drone-delivered roses to mark Mother’s Day. In Japan, a curious creature became a social media sensation to fight the virus as artists started sharing their illustrations of the Amabie.
A benevolent spirit from Japanese folklore, the Amabie looks like a cross between a long-haired mermaid and an owl in a parakeet costume. The legend goes that seeing and sharing its photo can ward off infectious disease. It didn’t take long for the savvy Takashi Murakami to join this viral #amabiechallenge with his own interpretation of the mythic creature. “Amabie has become a popular yōkai [spirit] in Japan, and I am glad I could spread it to people abroad through my posts,” shares the artist over email.
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