About Kappa

I should have mentioned Kappa earlier. However, even though we refer to them as “Kappa” in general, I am aware of around 29 different kinds. Of course, many of them are closely related, and their names vary depending on the region of Japan. However, even within the same type of Kappa, there are some that stand out, so it’s not just a matter of different names for the same creature.

I’ve been reflecting on these various Kappa. In Japanese.

The Japanese Perception of Kappa

The characteristics of the Kappa are as follows:

• A dish on its head filled with water
• Green skin
• A turtle shell on its back
• A love for cucumber

These are common perceptions shared by Japanese people, from children to the elderly. Some may even think of them as a friendly yokai (supernatural creature) that can live alongside humans.

Tono Monogatari by Yanagida Kunio where they are portrayed as a terrifying entity. However, there is a place called Kappa-buchi (Kappa Pool) in the Tono region of Iwate Prefecture, which has become a popular tourist spot.

Where did Kappa come from

It seems that Kappa originally came from China as a type of yokai (supernatural creature). Of course, in China, it was known by the name “Suiko” (水虎, “water tiger”). It was also referred to by other names, such as “Suiki” (水鬼, “water oni”) or “Koryu or Mizuchi” (蛟龍, “flood dragon”). However, their behavior was consistently that of a terrifying being that harmed humans.

If someone were asked to “imagine what a Suiko is like,” most people would likely struggle to picture it. Yet, it’s surprising how similar its nature is to the Japanese Kappa. The following are examples of their behavior:

• A creature living in water that attacks humans
• It leaps from the water and drags horses and cows into the depths

Like other yokai, Suiko appears to have been a manifestation of natural phenomena. In China, Suiko was often seen as the cause of water-related disasters, such as floods or drownings.

Kappa and Suiko

Kappa also lives in water and has the characteristic of dragging humans and livestock into the water. The aforementioned Suiko may be one of the origins of them. Suiko is often depicted as a more dangerous and terrifying creature. However, they has evolved uniquely in Japan, and sometimes it is portrayed with a more friendly side, even interacting with humans.

There are also stories like this one that have been passed down.

One-Man Sumo

A long time ago, in Meinohama, Chikuzen (present-day Fukuoka City, Fukuoka Prefecture), there was a man named Kyuzou, who was proud of his strength. One night, while passing by the riverbank on an errand, a Kappa appeared and persistently challenged him to a sumo match.

“It’s the middle of the night; how can I wrestle now?” Kyuzou said. But the Kappa followed him to his house, causing a ruckus. So, they decided to wait until dawn to have the match. When Kyuzou arrived at the riverbank, five Kappa were already waiting for him. Kyuzou said, “I’ll take you on one by one.”

The Kappa came out of the water and challenged him in turn. Though Kyuzou was proud of his strength, he struggled because the Kappa’s bodies were slippery and had a strong fishy smell. However, by slipping his hand between their legs and flipping them upside down, Kyuzou was able to defeat them easily. Realizing they had no chance of winning, the Kappa finally fled.

A large crowd of people gathered nearby to watch the sumo match, but strangely, none of them could see the Kappa. It seemed as though Kyuzou was wrestling alone. Occasionally, they heard splashing sounds and saw the water ripple, but no one could see the Kappa.

Mizuki, Shigeru. 2014. Complete Edition of the Encyclopedia of Japanese Yokai. Tokyo: Kodansya

Those Yokai cannot be Seen by Others

There are two interesting points in this story. One is that Kyuzou unconsciously devised a surefire method to defeat them. This method, which involves “slipping a hand between their legs and flipping them upside down,” is particularly noteworthy. They have a dish on their heads that holds water, and it is said that they become powerless as soon as this water is gone. Kyuzou had unknowingly figured out this winning strategy.

The second interesting point is that, despite Kyuzou wrestling with the Kappa, the numerous onlookers did not see these yokai. However, they did experience supernatural phenomena, such as sounds of someone jumping into the water and the surface rippling.

This aspect of being invisible yet undeniably present is what makes these Kappa a true yokai. While the Suiko is directly associated with death and water disasters, they engage in playful activities, like wrestling with humans, loving cucumbers, and even providing secret medicines. Of course, they can also be terrifying beings that attack humans and livestock. However, there is an element of humor and oddity about them.

Habitat

According to research by the International Research Center for Japanese Studies, Kappa have been confirmed to exist from the northern region of Akita Prefecture to the southern region of Kagoshima Prefecture. There are even theories suggesting that they existed in Hokkaido. Essentially, it appears that They were found throughout Japan.

The so-called “Kappa,” as well as entities like Suiko and Mizuchi, seemed to inhabit water bodies such as rivers, lakes, and marshes across the country. they are particularly strongly associated with water, and sightings of them overwhelmingly occur near these aquatic environments.

Iwate Prefecture

For example, in Iwate Prefecture, there is a tourist attraction called “Denshoh-en” in Tono City, where a thousand Oshirasama (a deity associated with agriculture and the harvest) figures are displayed. Within this exhibit, there are displays related to Kappa. The story of Kappa-buchi (Kappa Pond) is mentioned there, which tells how they live by riverbanks and attempt to drag people who are swimming into the water. I apologize if any details differ, as I have never actually visited.

Kanto Region

In the Kanto region, there are also Kappa legends in areas such as Tamagawa Josui in Tokyo, the capital city. Notably, the legend of “Kodaira no Kappa” (Kappa of Kodaira) is famous in Kodaira City, where they are said to have frequently appeared during the Edo period.

In Kanagawa Prefecture, it is said that people playing in the Sagamigawa River were sometimes dragged underwater by them.

Kinki Region

In the Kinki region, the Kamo River in Kyoto is famous for Kappa legends. Stories have been passed down about “Kappa swimming in the river” and instances where people were dragged underwater by them while playing in the water.

In Akashi City, Hyogo Prefecture, there are also unique tales of Kappa that lived along the rivers and coexisted with humans.

Kyushu Region

The Chikugo River in Fukuoka Prefecture is particularly rich in Kappa legends, with many stories told about the “Kappa of Kurume.” In the villages surrounding the Chikugo River, festivals and rituals were reportedly held to appease the them.

The Kusenbo Kappa from either Kumamoto Prefecture or Fukuoka Prefecture is famous, known as the largest Kappa clan in western Japan, reportedly numbering nine thousand. They have been said to guard the Suijin Shrine in Kurume City, which enshrines Emperor Antoku, since they were defeated by the brave samurai Kato Kiyomasa.

In Kyushu, there is a tale associated with the Kose River, a tributary of the Chikugo River, where it is said that Taira no Kiyomori transformed into a Kappa named Kose Nyudo. It is interesting that this is mentioned in the book Kitachiku Zakkou, written in 1675.

In Kumamoto Prefecture, there are Kappa stories linked to the Suma River, including legends of battles between them and humans, as well as customs where people would feed the them.

Features of Dwelling

Based on the aforementioned sightings and customs, it seems that Kappa are water-based yokai, known for dragging humans into rivers and ponds, indicating that these are their natural habitats. Additionally, since they tend to attack humans while they are playing in the water, it can be inferred that these rivers are relatively clean.

Considering the incidents related to rivers, one might speculate that the current of the rivers was quite strong.

Why do Kappa appear near water?

From a modern perspective, when examining the existence of Kappa, the following theories might be proposed:

• Flooding: Japan is a country abundant in water, which means that unexpected water-related accidents like floods and flash floods are always a risk. The Kappa legends scattered throughout Japan may serve as warnings to people about the dangers of getting too close to rivers.
• Guardian Deity: Kappa are not just viewed as terrifying yokai; in some regions, they are revered as sacred beings that govern water. This reverence is rooted in a desire for protection against water shortages and disasters. A concrete example of this is the Suijin Shrine in Kurume City. Additionally, festivals honoring Kappa Daimyohjin are held.

They may have functioned as a presence that embodies fear of flooding while also serving as guardians against such disasters. The title “Daimyohjin” is typically given to powerful deities, indicating that Kappa held an important role for the people of Kurume.

The Kappa mentioned in Yanagida, Kunio’s Tono Monogatari (遠野物語)

The Tono Monogatari (遠野物語) is a fascinating collection of tales and folklore from the Tono region of Iwate Prefecture, Japan. Compiled by Yanagida Kunio, a pioneer of Japanese folklore studies, this work significantly draws from the narratives told by Sasaki Kyohseki (or Kizen) and his father, Mansaku, who shared the local stories and legends.

One of the intriguing aspects of Tono Monogatari is its documentation of various yokai (supernatural creatures) and deities, along with the customs associated with them. The book captures the essence of the local culture, including beliefs about the natural world and the supernatural.

Additionally, you mentioned the presence of Ainu language remnants in place names, which adds another layer of interest. For example, the term “To” in Tono is believed to derive from the Ainu word for “lake,” illustrating the historical interactions between the Ainu people and the indigenous Japanese population.

Characteristics of Kappa in the Tono Region

In Tono Monogatari, there are about five stories related to Kappa. Here’s a summary of the key points from these tales:

• Women Giving Birth to Kappa: The stories include accounts of women who have given birth to Kappa children, fear the belief in their influence on human life.
• Footprints of Kappa: Kappa footprints are described as being around 9 cm in size, with a thumb that is separated like a human hand, indicating their unique physical characteristics.
• Confrontation with Kappa: There is a tale of a person fighting back against a them that was dragging a horse into the river, resulting in a promise from them not to trouble horses anymore.
• Color of Kappa’s Face: While most Kappa are traditionally depicted with green faces, the Kappa from Tono are specifically noted to have red faces. This distinction is highlighted in the stories, making it unique to the Tono region.

The fact that Tono’s Kappa are described with red faces, as mentioned only in the accounts by Sasaki Kyohseki in Tono Monogatari, is particularly intriguing and adds depth to the folklore of this area.

The Significance of Tono Monogatari

In the preface of Tono Monogatari, There are written these words.

Presenting this book to people in foreign lands.

Yanagida, Kunio. 1992. Tono Monogatari. Tokyo: Shinchosya

Yanagida Kunio is known to have published Tono Monogatari for his acquaintances, friends, and international students living abroad, likely to share the rich folklore of Japan with the world. He may have wanted to convey that Japan was still a land full of mysteries and stories waiting to be discovered. Although Tono Monogatari contains 119 tales, Sasaki Kyohseki, the primary storyteller, noted that there were actually hundreds of stories in the Tono region.

Your efforts to share information about yokai with the world, even with strangers rather than friends, resonate with Yanagida’s intention of introducing the Japanese folklore to those who might not be familiar with it.

Despite being a self-published work that only circulated a few hundred copies, Tono Monogatari has had a profound impact on the field of folklore studies, influencing how Japanese folklore is perceived and studied internationally.

Summary

The Kappa is known to have countless varieties, making it impossible to define them all under a single description. However, certain characteristics generally associated with Kappa can be summarized as follows:

• A dish on their head: This dish is said to hold water, which is vital for their strength.
• Habitat: Kappa are commonly found near water bodies like rivers, lakes, and marshes.
• Behavior: They are notorious for trying to drag horses and humans into the water.
• Interest in sumo: Kappa are often depicted as fond of wrestling, particularly sumo.
• Color: Their skin can be green or red, with various regional interpretations.
• Understanding of human language: Kappa are typically portrayed as capable of understanding and sometimes speaking human languages.

おきなさび　飛ばず鳴かざるを　ちかたの森の　ふくろふ　笑ふらんかも（柳田國男「遠野物語」）

Like the old man who lives beyond the ages, the owl in the forest watches over the activities of nature and humans from afar, without flying or calling out, and it might be laughing. (Yanagida, Kunio. Tono Monogatari)