Fan with images of Kappa

Kappa are mythical creatures from Japanese folklore, often depicted as amphibious, turtle-like yokai with a humanoid shape, webbed hands and feet, and a distinctive water-filled depression on their heads called a sara. This dish-shaped feature is crucial to their power, as they draw their strength from the water it holds. Kappa are mischievous and sometimes dangerous, known for pulling people into rivers or lakes, but they can also be benevolent when treated respectfully. They are said to love cucumbers, and offerings of this vegetable are thought to appease them. Stories about kappa often serve as cautionary tales to warn children against swimming in dangerous waters. Despite their mischievous reputation, kappa are also credited with teaching humans skills like bone-setting and irrigation, embodying a complex duality in Japanese folklore.