Enjuin temple in the Japanese city of Asakuchi is visited by many people who want to see the 'mermaid mummy', which is only about 30 cm long. This creature has a human-like upper half and a fish-like bottom half, so it is said to be a 'mermaid'.
According to folklore, this 'mermaid' was caught by Japanese fishermen in the Pacific Ocean, off the island of Shikoku between 1736 and 1741.
During that time, people questioned the authenticity of the 'mermaid mummy' kept at the Enjuin temple. To solve this mystery, in 2022, experts at Kurashiki University of Sciences and the Arts asked for permission to examine the 'mermaid'.
After receiving the consent, the team of experts took a CT scan of the 'mermaid mummy'.
The results surprised them.
The team revealed that the CT scan results showed the 'mermaid mummy' had no human spine, ribs or other bones.
There are a number of fish parts on this creature's body.
The jaws and teeth of the 'mermaid mummy' are made up of a fish. Its arms, shoulders, neck and cheeks are covered with fish skin. The lower body is also herringbone.
Radiocarbon dating suggests that this 'mermaid' was man-made in the late 1800s.
Therefore, experts believe that the ancient Japanese created 'mermaid mummies' because they believed that these things would bring them good luck, including longevity.
