Japan recently observed the Obon Festival, a Buddhist custom similar to other ancestor worship holidays, typically held between August 13th and 16th. While dates can vary by region, most Japanese people return to their hometowns to visit ancestral graves during August. As part of the tradition, people create offerings called "Shoryo Uma" (Spirit Horses), crafting cows and horses from gourds or leaves to serve as transportation for their ancestors.
Every year, Japan's X (formerly Twitter) lights up with incredibly creative Shoryo Uma. This year, one particularly skilled creator, @Kyogre_you, wowed the internet by crafting a magnificent "Kyogre" from the world of Pokémon, earning widespread praise for its humor and intricate detail.
Using an eggplant as the base, @Kyogre_you transformed it into a stunning shiny Primal Kyogre, radiating an exceptionally powerful aura. Coincidentally, many parts of Japan were experiencing heavy rain that day, prompting the creator to joke that they had specifically dispatched Kyogre to ensure their ancestors' safe return amidst the downpour.
As a huge Kyogre fan, @Kyogre_you's craftsmanship is truly impressive. The details are spot-on, making the shiny Primal Kyogre instantly recognizable.
While the intricate design earned plenty of praise, many netizens couldn't help but playfully suggest that the rainy weather during ancestor worship might just be Kyogre's doing! After all, Kyogre is known for its power to summon torrential downpours, so creating one is practically asking for rain.
Some users even chimed in, asking if someone could make a Groudon to clear up the weather, or perhaps a Rayquaza out of a cucumber for a nice alternative.
Another user shared their own Rayquaza Shoryo Uma from last year.
Every Obon Festival brings out the incredible creativity of Japanese netizens on X. It seems even ancestor worship can become a canvas for imaginative expression!