Minogame

In Japanese folklore, the minogame is a turtle believed to live up to 10,000 years. It represents longevity and wisdom and often accompanies the god Jurojin, who is one of the seven lucky gods of Japan. The minogame has a long tail made out of seaweed and it features in the famous folktale of Urashima Taro. In some versions of the tale, the hero is taken to visit the palace of the dragon king on the back of a minogame. There are also real turtles who grow algae 'tails' when old.