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The Encounter with the Southern Barbarians: A Historical Narration

In the reign of Emperor Gara, the 108th emperor of Japan, during the Koji period, an extraordinary event unfolded that would leave an indelible mark on the nation. A trading vessel from the southern barbarians—often interpreted as Europeans—made its way to Japanese shores, bringing with it not only goods but also a being named Ugan Ban. This creature, somewhat human in form, had a striking appearance with a long, conch-like nose, large yellow eyes, and claw-like hands and feet. Towering at over seven feet, his presence incited an overwhelming curiosity among the Japanese populace, leading to massive crowds eager to catch a glimpse of this foreign spectacle.