The Monster of Yu-rap

Tales from the Yakumo Area

Long ago, a monster lived in Yu-rap Kotan (situated in the present-day Yurappu River estuary). The monster was shaped like a burial mound, but when humans approached, it would suddenly transform into a dog or bird, so the local Ainu were afraid of it. When a brave Ainu man came to Yu-rap by boat to take a look, he found that there was no monster at all, but there were many salmon and bears. It is said that afterwards, he brought many Ainu with him to live there.