Kappa

The Kappa is one of the most famous creatures in Japanese folklore — a water-dwelling imp or sprite that inhabits rivers, ponds, and lakes throughout Japan. Kappa are typically depicted as green, child-sized creatures with a beak-like mouth, a shell on their back like a turtle, and a dish-like depression on top of their head that holds water. This water is the source of their power — if it spills, the Kappa becomes weak or dies. Kappa are known for their love of cucumbers, their skill at sumo wrestling, and their habit of challenging humans to wrestle. While mischievous and sometimes dangerous — they are said to drown the unwary — Kappa can also be polite and will keep promises if treated with respect.