The Minogame – Japan’s Legendary Turtle of Longevity
September 9th 2025
The legendary turtle of Japan, a symbol of long life, good fortune, and the tale of Urashima Tarō
A Symbol of Fortune, Wisdom, and Eternal Life
Japan’s mythology is filled with creatures that embody ideals of strength, wisdom, and prosperity. Among them, the Minogame (蓑亀) stands out as one of the most auspicious. This mythical turtle, said to live for thousands of years, is instantly recognisable by the long strands of seaweed and algae flowing from its shell. These “tails” resemble a straw raincoat (mino), giving the creature its name.
For centuries, the Minogame has symbolised longevity, good fortune, and protection, appearing in paintings, sculpture, netsuke carvings, and traditional crafts. It is often depicted alongside other icons of long life, such as cranes or Taoist immortals, reinforcing its association with wisdom and prosperity.
Japanese Silvered Bronze Minogame by Ryūbundō available in our JAPANESE collection at Jacksons Antique
Appearance and Symbolism
The Minogame is believed to live at least 1,000 years, with some legends stretching its lifespan to 10,000 years. Its distinctive seaweed-like tail reflects both age and natural harmony, much like the long beards of sages in Asian art. For this reason, the turtle became an emblem of endurance, stability, and auspicious blessings.
In Japanese culture, turtles are also linked to the sea god Kompira, protector of sailors, further cementing the Minogame as a spiritual guardian. Its imagery was so powerful that it became a popular motif in wedding ceremonies, symbolising a long and prosperous union.
The Legend of Urashima Tarō
One of the most famous appearances of the Minogame is in the legend of Urashima Tarō, a fisherman whose life was forever changed by an act of kindness.
Urashima Tarō rescued a turtle being tormented by children on the beach. The next day, the turtle reappeared, this time revealed as a Minogame, and told Tarō that he had in fact saved the daughter of the sea god Ryūjin. To thank him, the Minogame carried Tarō to the undersea Dragon Palace, where he was welcomed with splendour and hospitality.
For three days, Tarō lived in wonder beneath the waves. Upon leaving, the princess gifted him a mysterious box, warning him never to open it. When Tarō returned to the surface, he discovered that 300 years had passed in the human world. Stricken with grief and confusion, he opened the forbidden box. At once, he aged into an old man as his lost years returned to him, and he heard the voice of the princess lamenting that he had broken the spell.
The tale of Urashima Tarō remains one of Japan’s most enduring legends, with the Minogame at its heart as both a saviour and a symbol of the mysteries of time and immortality.
Above view of the Japanese Silvered Bronze Minogame by Ryūbundō available in our JAPANESE collection at Jacksons Antique
Minogame in Japanese Art
The Minogame has inspired Japanese artists for centuries. It appears in ukiyo-e prints, netsuke carvings, ceramics, sword fittings, and toys, often depicted with flowing seaweed tails and paired with auspicious motifs. Artisans saw the turtle as a perfect symbol for life’s blessings, weaving its imagery into everyday objects and ceremonial pieces.
Even today, the Minogame endures in Japanese culture and popular art as a timeless emblem of good fortune, prosperity, and long life. Its enduring presence ensures that the legend of the turtle continues to inspire collectors, artists, and admirers around the world.
For collectors drawn to the legend and symbolism of the Minogame, we are pleased to present a rare Japanese Silvered Bronze Minogame by Ryūbundō, now available in our collection and pictured above.
Owner at Jacksons Antique
I am an antique dealer and owner of Jacksons Antique, specialising in fine antiques with a particular focus on Japanese art and European decorative objects. With over a decade of experience in the antiques trade, I source and curate pieces for collectors across the UK, the United States, and the international market.
Working primarily online alongside select exhibitions, I am part of a newer generation of dealers helping to modernise the way antiques are researched, presented, and acquired. My approach is built on careful attribution, transparent descriptions, and historically grounded research so clients can buy with confidence.
Through Jacksons Antique, I aim to make important historic objects accessible to both established collectors and those developing their collections.
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