The creepy creature was allegedly caught in the Pacific Ocean, just off the coast of Japan, in the 18th century and is now kept in a temple in the city of Asakuchi

The creepy creature has a grimacing face, pointed teeth, two hands and hair on its head and brow(Image: Credit: 2021 Kinoshita Hiroshi via Pen News)
A mummified “mermaid” with a human face and a fish tail is set to grant immortality to those who taste its flesh.

The creepy creature has a grimacing face, pointed teeth, two hands and hair on its head and brow, as well as a fish-like lower half.
It was caught in the Pacific Ocean, just off the Japanese coast, between 1736 and 1741 and is now kept in a temple in the city of Asakuchi.

The letter reads: “A mermaid was caught in a fish-catching net in the sea off Kochi Prefecture. The fishermen who caught it did not know it was a mermaid but took it to Osaka and sold it as unusual fish. My ancestors bought it and kept it as a family treasure.”

It’s unclear how or when the mummy came to Enjuin temple in Asakuchi, but chief priest, Kozen Kuida, said it was put on display in a glass case some 40 years ago and is now kept in a fireproof safe.

It was caught in the Pacific Ocean, just off the Japanese coast, between 1736 and 1741(Image: Credit: 2021 Kinoshita Hiroshi via Pen News)