Cryptid Vault
Issie

Issie

Also known as: Isshi, Lake Ikeda Monster

Japan's answer to Nessie lives in a volcanic crater lake on the southern tip of Kyushu.

First Reported

1961, major wave in 1978

Origin Area

Lake Ikeda, Kagoshima, Japan

Size

Estimated 5-20 meters

Temperament

Passive, avoidant

Status

Occasional sightings continue

Eyewitness reportsLow DangerAsiaLake

The Lore

Issie is a lake monster reported in Lake Ikeda, a volcanic crater lake in Kagoshima Prefecture, Japan. Sightings describe a large, dark creature with humps breaking the surface, similar in profile to other lake monsters worldwide. A wave of reports in 1978 brought national attention, and the nearby town of Ibusuki erected a statue in its honor. The lake is deep, reaching 233 meters, and is home to unusually large eels, which skeptics suggest may explain the sightings.

Body Type

SerpentineAquatic

Folklore Origin

Regional folkloreMedia-amplified

Similar Real Animals

Giant Japanese eelJapanese giant salamander