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

Abstract

The kappa is a mischievous water goblin of Japanese folklore. The A. 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 Eiichiro, 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.