Shachihoko

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A shachihoko float used in Karatsu Kunchi festival

A shachihoko (鯱鉾) or shachi is an animal in Japanese folklore with the head of a tiger and the body of a carp. It was believed that this animal could cause the rain to fall, and as such, temples and castles were often adorned with roof ornaments (shibi) crafted in the form of a shachihoko, in order to protect them from fire.

"shachi" also means orca.

A shachihoko decorates the roof of Okayama Castle