Kappa is a water demon whose mentions are found in ancient folklores of Japan. While some refute its existence by calling it a creature of imagination originating out of sightings of giant salamanders of Japan, others still hold the believe that Kappa is not confined to myths. In fact, some people actually consider that Kappa is very much real. Those who consider it to be real now have a support in their favor. Scientists have obtained very unusual mummified remains of a creature that are very much aligned with the characteristic features of the mythical demon. As a matter of fact, the discovered remains went for display in Kyuushuu island of Japan.

How does a Kappa look like?

The word Kappa literally translates into ‘river child’. The creature has been described to have a spiky and scaly body of a tortoise with a reptile-like blue or green skin. The limbs of the creature are described to be webbed and it is said to have a beak. If that isn’t just enough, what’s really unique to the creature is a hollow structure on top of its head. While the folklores say that Kappa is primarily a water creature, it also occasionally roams around on land. The hollow on its head is meant for holding water to keep it wet enough so that it does not loses its powers on land.

What makes Kappa a demon?

This lakes, rivers and ponds dwelling creature is said to be a demon. According to legends, the creature captures and devours children who are disobedient. What’s really interesting about this description is that Kappa turns out to be a selective demon. Kappas are often also depicted as mischief creators often attacking women and drowning animals and people. They are also said to make rude sounds as part of their mischievous behavior.

About the mummified remains

Scientists have gotten their hands on unusual mummified remains of a creature. The remains include an arm with attached hand and a foot. It is said that the remains were given to Miyakonijo Shimazu family in 1818 after one of the legendary creatures was shot dead. No other details are available. For instance, no one knows who shot the creature or why the rest of the body is not available. The remains went for display in Miyazaki prefecture at Miyakonijo Shimazu Residence.

Scientific literature on Kappa

During Japan’s Edo period, much of scientific work was devoted towards Kappa study. One such collection of Kappa information is Suikokouryaku of 1820. The information found in this compendium has information sourced from various Chinese and Japanese sources. Suikokouryaku contains several interesting drawings of Kappa.

Killing a Kappa is not that difficult

As per legends and folklore, Kappas are very much obsessed with manners. On land when someone bows, the Kappa will return the gesture by bowing. So in order to kill a Kappa, one should deep bow and as Kappa returns the gesture with a deep bow, the water in the hollow on its head falls off, rendering the Kappa powerless. It is then that a Kappa can be killed easily.

Other mummies of Kappa

Apart from the scattered remains obtained from the Miyakonijo Shimazu family, there are a number of other mummies on display which are claimed to be Kappa mummies. Some of these mummies are pictured above.

Arguments by skeptics

Skeptics say that all the mummies that are on display and are claimed to be Kappa mummies are not real. They say that these mummies are works of artists from Edo period that lasted from 1603 to 1867 and that they were created using different animal parts like monkeys, stingrays and owls.

So, what do you think? Are Kappas real? Drop your comments below and let us know.

1 comment

Theo Davis MannMarch 18, 2017 - 12:48 am

I believe that the current American “fake news” fad/controversy is not NEARLY as interesting as this! At least here, you have some substance, quite literally, that can be objectively analyzed by science (although it doesn’t seem to be happening…where’s the DNA testing)-
vs contentious 2-party politics that are just…… so pathetic and nonsensical.