Naruto Whirlpools

The name "Naruto" is now famous worldwide, forever associated with the popular manga/anime series of the same name. Those better versed in Japanese culture may also recognize the name as that of a delicious delicacy - narutomaki is a type of fish cake that's shaped like a cloud and has a pink spiral pattern, which can often be found in ramen bowls (and even in your phone's emoji dictionary).

It was made to resemble (and named after) the Naruto Whirlpools, the famed natural wonder of the Naruto Strait. Located in southern Japan between the country's mainland and the island of Shikoku, the strait boasts some of the strongest tidal currents in the world. The currents are created by tidal water moving through the strait from the Inland Seto Sea to the Pacific Ocean, and viceversa. About twice every day, this lowering and surging of the tides creates huge vortices that can size up to 20 meters in diameter - these are the Naruto Whirlpools.

It's an incredible sight, and the adjacent cities of Naruto and Minami-Awaji offer a number of ways to view it. One is a tourist boat that cruises right near the edges of the whirlpools, and another is an observatory deck built beneath the Ōnaruto Bridge, which connects the two cities. Of course, you can also view the whirlpools from either shore.

The type of spiral fishcakes that now bear the Whirlpool's name were popularized in the 19th century, and were likely referred to as such because they were primarily produced in cities near the strait. It's hard to say exactly why the creator of the Naruto manga, Masashi Kishimoto, chose to name his titular character after this water feature, but it seems that that the spiral pattern on Naruto's headband is a clear homage to the natural phenomenon.