Minogame
Field Report
Minogame is a mythic turtle from Japanese folklore, renowned for its extraordinarily long tail made of seaweed or moss, said to grow after centuries of peaceful life. Unlike most cryptids, the Minogame is benevolent, symbolizing longevity and good fortune. It’s often depicted alongside cranes in traditional art, embodying the twin blessings of long life and fidelity. Fishermen’s stories sometimes embellish this creature into something grander—an immense turtle surfacing near boats, trailing living gardens of algae behind it. While likely rooted in sightings of old sea turtles adorned with barnacles and seaweed, the Minogame stands out in the cryptid canon as a gentle giant, illustrating how not all mysterious creatures evoke fear—some become icons of enduring harmony with nature.
Classification
Type:Reptilian Cryptid
Location:Japan, Okinawa Prefecture, Shurijo Castle ponds
Traits:Massive turtle, moss-covered shell, elongated tail, deep slow breaths
Threat Assessment
Danger Level: 2.8
First Reported: 1900s
Sightings: 2
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Behavioral Patterns
It crawls slowly along rocky seafloors, algae trailing from its shell. If divers near, it tucks its head in and waits motionless.
Folklore & Origins
Japanese folklore reveres these giant turtles as avatars of long life sent by sea gods.
Media Documentation
Referenced exclusively in Japanese mythological texts and cultural museums as a long-lived turtle spirit. No suggestion of real sightings. Fully embedded in folklore.
Hoax Analysis
Minogame is a Japanese cryptid often described as a giant turtle with supernatural qualities. There are no widely known hoaxes tied to this creature, and it remains part of regional folklore and mythology.