Turtle (kame - 亀)

The turtle is a symbol of longevity in Japan. Mythological turtles are often represented with long fringed tails.

The legend of Urashima Tarō tells the story of a fisherman who saves a turtle and is brought down on its back to visit the palace of the Dragon god. But when he returns after a few days, 300 years have passed on earth and all his loved ones are dead.

 

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A fountain turtle at the entrance of a temple [source]
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Urashima Tarō on the back of his turtle returning from the Dragon King's Palace, woodblock print 1886 [source]

 

 

 

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