Legends of Naruto

The name Naruto comes from the roar of the tidal current racing through the narrow strait between Shikoku and Awaji Island. Naru means roar, to means gate, and this watery channel has inspired awe for centuries. Edo-period illustrations show adults cowering at the swirling whirlpools while children stare wide-eyed. A local book from 1734 even records mermaid sightings in the strait, likely mistaken encounters with dugongs or finless porpoises, which can grow over two meters long and still pass through these waters.