August 15th, 2006
This is the first article of a series about Japanese creatures. This article talks about 河童 “Kappa” which is probably the most popular creature in Japan.
Even if the name differs, this creature exists on the whole Japanese archipelago. Its first appearance was found in 日本書紀 “Japan - scribe”, one of the oldest japanese document written by the different secretary of the japanese emperors until 720. At this time it was named ミズチ “the spirit of the water”. However, the Kappa disappeared and it is not until 江戸時代 “the Edo era” (1603-1867) that he was spotted again. Finally, the word 河童 became part of the standard japanese language during 昭和３０年代 “the 30’s of the Shôwa era” or in other words between 1955 and 1965.
Photo: rwk
License : Creative CommonsThe Kanji used to form Kappa are 河 “river” and 童 “child”. A Kappa is therefore a “child of the river”. The comparison does not hold except for the stature which is close to a 6 years old child. Kappa is a biped animal with a greasy green skin. Some illustrations depict Kappa with scales or fur. There is also a 甲羅 “shell” on the back. Other particularities include a sharp mouth, palmated hand and feet, a bald head with a cavity at the top. This 凹み “dish” is full of water and allows the Kappa to survive when he wanders on the banks of the river.
In the old tales, Kappa is either depicted as a bloodsucker or as a vegetarian who loves cucumber ! What is the real nature of the Kappa ?
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