Key Points

- Amphibian-like creatures 

- Cause minor mischief but become extremely dangerous if not respected as gods 

- Love sumo wrestling

Brief Bio 

In Japanese folklore, a kappa is a mischievous, humanoid water imp or demon, typically depicted as child-sized with green, scaly skin, a turtle-like shell, webbed hands and feet, and a distinctive dish-shaped head holding water. While sometimes portrayed as helpful, kappa are also known for their mischievous and even dangerous behavior, especially when not treated like gods, like pulling people into the water, stealing crops, or playing pranks. They are one of the most famous yōkai (supernatural beings) in Japan.