The Metamorphosis of the Kappa: Transformation of Folklore to Folklorism in Japan

The "kappa" is a mischievous water goblin of Japanese folklore. This article presents an overview of some of the characteristics of the "kappa", including the dish-like cavity on its head, its penchant for eating cucumbers, its aversion to gourds and to iron, and its habit of trying to pull horses, cattle, and humans into the water. Some of the major critical literature regarding the "kappa" is discussed, including work by Yanagita Kunio, Orikuchi Shinobu, Ishida Eiichirō, and structural anthropologist Cornelis Ouwehand. The concept of folklorism ("folklorismus") is briefly defined and applied to the "kappa" belief. Through folklorism, artists, writers, cartoonists, and commercial interests have transformed the "kappa" from a malicious and unpleasant water deity into a harmless and lovable mascot.