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Kappa - Japanese Water Imp
 Do you remember how you felt after the first time you saw the film "Jaws"?
If you lived near the ocean then you probably never swam quite as far from shore
after seeing the movie than you may have before. That feeling is probably
precisely what most pre-modern Japanese felt whenever they even approached a
river, lake or stream. This is because the "Jaws" of old Japan was not any
huge man-eating shark, but instead was a rather small water imp called Kappa
who lived in family groups wherever fresh water ran quiet and deep. Though
small in stature (about the size of an 8 to 10 year old child) the average
Kappa was nevertheless very strong and capable of grabbing and dragging into
the water animals much larger than itself including horses, cattle and of
course, unwary people.
  Though mischievous and slightly evil, Kappa
were nevertheless thought to respect the authority of those they deemed virtuous
(especially any who could overcome them) and may become loyal and helpful to
such individuals. Kappa are members of the Suijin group of
Japanese Shinto (native religion of Japan) water deities which include
enchanted serpents, fish and freshwater eels. Looking stranger than a
platypus, Kappa appear to be assembled from the body of a tortoise with
the head of an ape, and sport webbed-feet, blue-green skin and scales and an
unusual donut-shaped hair style surrounding a flat depression at the top of the
kappa's skull. It is thought that when Kappa leave the water
they remain powerful as long as their head depression is filled with
strength-giving fluid. Japanese folklore advises us to bow deeply when we
encounter a Kappa on dry land, as the creatures do appreciate good
manners (though they may be scheming to kill you) and will likely bow in return,
spilling their strength-giving fluid in the process. When their head
depression is dry Kappa quickly become weak and must return to water in
order to regain their strength (giving the clever human a chance to escape!).
In modern times the Kappa's image has suffered a fate similar to that of
the European Ogre (think Shrek), as no one really believes in them any more and
their image in art has changed from frightening monster to cute mascot.
Adorable little Kappa images are today used in Japan to promote a variety
of commercial products and even as the heroes of animated cartoons. My
family and I are always on the lookout for new and interesting images of
classic and contemporary Kappa to include in the following Kappa
gallery.
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Click
here
to see Kappa items available to purchase within our eBay store The
Old Tokaido. |
Kappa Gallery
The following are images of Kappa we have captured in
our travels within Japan. This gallery does grow as new images are added
so please check back from time-to-time if you wish to see new additions to the
gallery.
*** Click to enlarge ***
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Cartoon Kappa
This Kappa was spotted as a friendly character within a Japanese children's book. |
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Danger Sign
Kappa images frequently appear on signs warning children to be careful when playing near rivers and lakes. This very old and rusty sign features a wonderful kappa with unusual feet. |
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Kappa Pair
These playful Kappa holding umbrellas were seen on a plaque on a river bridge near Shimizu, Japan. |
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Kappa Playing Soccer
Mural on a sea-wall near the mouth of the Shimizu river. |
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Kappa Statue
Kappa on all fours holding a cucumber (Kappa LOVE cucumber).
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River Clean Up Sign
Spotted near a small river in Shizuoka. |
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Stage Kappa
This charming kappa was seen crossing the stage at our daughter Emily's first kindergarten performance. The older kids were reenacting a famous Japanese story of a man who visits the kappa's underwater kingdom. |
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Kappa picking his nose
A truly rare photo! |
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Kappa on TV
This kappa was spotted on a Japanese game show in which guests tried to catch a velcro kappa had on their heads. The man in the photo was successful! |
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Cake Topping
These Kappa (green fellows) were found in a cake shop as cake toppings. |
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Clay Kappa
Made by some kids at a clay art event our daughter Emily participated in. |
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Watching You!
This drawing shows a Kappa peeking from the surface of a lake or stream. A bit spooky don't you think? |
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Carved Kappa
Interesting carved wood Kappa figure. |
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