Heikegani (平家蟹, ヘイケガニ, Literal meaning: Heike Crab, Heikeopsis japonica) is a species of crab native to Japan, with a shell that bears a pattern resembling a human face – an example …

Sep 7, 2014 · According to Japanese folklore, the Heikegani crabs contain the souls of the Heike samurai warriors who were slain at the Battle of Dan-no-ura in 1185 AD, a war over the …

Jun 26, 2017 · This crab has a distinctive shell with a pattern that vaguely resembles the angry face of a Samurai. The story goes that when the Heike warriors died and sank, their souls …

Jun 7, 2021 · There is a species of crab in the area of Dan-no-ura that has a striking resemblance to the grimacing face of a Samurai warrior. In the centuries following the battle, these crabs …

Apr 17, 2022 · Crabs with carapace shaped like human faces could be found all over the world, but the heikegani is unique for its resemblance to a snarling samurai. Some observers noted …

Heikegani (平家蟹, ヘイケガニ, (Literal meaning: Heike Crab), Heikeopsis japonica) is a species of crab native to Japan, with a shell that bears a pattern resembling a human face - an …

Jun 29, 2019 · Which people believe to be the face of an angry samurai, it’s commonly called the samurai crab. It’s believed the crabs are reincarnations of the Heike warriors defeated at the …

Sep 16, 2020 · Below is one such example where human intervention inadvertently allowed a new species of crab to evolve in Japan, that resemble the faces of samurai warriors.

4 days ago · Legend has it that these native Japanese crabs are reincarnations of the spirits of the Heike, samurai warriors defeated in a sea battle. In the 12th century, Japan was ruled by a …

Mar 30, 2013 · A strange story arose in the wake of the battle. Locals told a legend about crabs in the area with strange patterns on their shells, said to resemble samurai masks. Legend held …