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|type1            =Dark
|type1            =Dark
|type2            =Normal
|type2            =Normal
|header          ={{Daiei}} {{Slash}} {{Toho}} {{Slash}} {{Nikkatsu}} {{Race}}
|image            =DK Kappa.png
|image            =DK_Kappa.png
|caption          =A Kappa in Death Kappa
|caption          =A kappa in Death Kappa
|name            =Kappa
|name            =''Kappa''
|species          =Amphibious deity
|dt              =''Kappa''
|species          =Amphibious Deity
|forms            =[[Death Kappa]]{{Sup|[[Death Kappa (film)|DK]]}}
|forms            =[[Death Kappa]]{{Sup|[[Death Kappa (film)|DK]]}}
|allies          =Other [[:Category:Yokai|Yokai]]
|allies          =Other [[:Category:Yokai|yokai]]
|enemies          =[[Daimon]], [[Hangyolas]]{{Sup|[[Death Kappa (film)|DK]]}}, [[Umihiko]]
|enemies          =[[Daimon]], Kikai{{Sup|[[The Great Yokai War|TGYW]]}},<br>[[Umihiko]]{{Sup|[[Death Kappa (film)|DK]]}}, [[Hangyolas]]{{Sup|[[Death Kappa (film)|DK]]}}
|created          ={{tt|Japanese Legends|The Kappa is from Japanese legend; it is unknown who exactly created them.}}
|debut            =''[[Yokai Monsters: 100 Monsters|Yokai Monsters:<br>100 Monsters]]''
|debut            =''[[Yokai Monsters: Spook Warfare|Yokai Monsters:<br>Spook Warfare]]''
|last            =''[[The Great Yokai War: Guardians|The Great Yokai<br>War: Guardians]]''
|last            =''[[Death Kappa (film)|Death Kappa]]''
}}
}}
The '''''kappa''''' {{Nihongo|河童|Kappa}} are a race of famous amphibious [[:Category:Yokai|yokai]] from [[Japan]]ese legend that made appearances in the [[1968]] [[Kadokawa|Daiei]] [[:Category:Kaiju Films|film]], ''[[Yokai Monsters: Spook Warfare]]'', the [[1974]] [[Toho]] [[:Category:Television Series|series]], ''[[Go! Kotaro Ushiwaka]]'', the [[2006]] [[Kadokawa]] [[:Category:Kaiju Films|film]], ''[[Great Yokai War]]'', and the [[2010]] [[Nikkatsu Corporation|Nikkatsu]] [[:Category:Kaiju Films|film]], ''[[Death Kappa (film)|Death Kappa]]''. ''Kappa'' are among the most well-known Yokai outside of Japan, and have appeared in countless pieces of media as a result.
{{Notice|For the main character of ''[[Yokai Monsters: Spook Warfare]]'', see [[Aogappa]]. For the Kappa from ''[[The Great Yokai War]]'', see [[Kawataro]]. For the mutated Kappa from ''[[Death Kappa (film)|Death Kappa]]'', see [[Death Kappa]].}}
==Appearances==
{{Expand}}
In most of its films appearances, the ''kappa'''s appearance is identical to typical depictions of its kind in other media. The ''kappa'' is a small, reptilian creature with a pool of water on its head, and 'leaves' running around the rim of its pool. The ''kappa'' also has a beak, which gives it a vaguely avian appearance as well.
The '''Kappa''' {{Nihongo|{{ruby|河|かっ}}{{ruby|童|ぱ}}||lit. "river child"}} is an amphibious [[:Category:Yokai|yokai]] from [[Japan]]ese legend. Kappa make appearances in the [[1968]] [[Kadokawa|Daiei]] [[:Category:Films|film]]s ''[[Yokai Monsters: 100 Monsters]]'' and ''[[Yokai Monsters: Spook Warfare]]'', the [[1974]] [[Toho]] [[:Category:Television Series|series]] ''[[Go! Kotaro Ushiwaka]]'', the [[2005]] [[Kadokawa]] [[:Category:Kaiju Films|film]] ''[[The Great Yokai War]]'' and its [[2021]] sequel ''[[The Great Yokai War: Guardians]]'', and the [[2010]] [[Nikkatsu]] [[:Category:Kaiju Films|film]] ''[[Death Kappa (film)|Death Kappa]]''. Kappa are among the most well-known yokai outside of Japan, and have appeared in countless pieces of media as a result.
==History==
{{TOC}}
===[[Showa era|Showa Series]]===
==Appearance==
The Kappa is a small, reptilian creature with a pool of water on its head, and "leaves" running around the rim of its pool. The Kappa also has a beak, which gives it a vaguely avian appearance. The version of the creature in ''[[Death Kappa (film)|Death Kappa]]'' is plump and only has a beak on its top jaw.
==Selected history==
*''[[Yokai Monsters: 100 Monsters]]'' (1968)
*''[[Yokai Monsters: Spook Warfare]]'' (1968)
*''[[Yokai Monsters: Along with Ghosts]]'' (1969) [mentioned]
*''[[Go! Kotaro Ushiwaka]]'' (TV 1974-1975) [episode 17]
*''[[Sakuya (film)|Sakuya]]'' (2000)
*''[[Kibakichi]]'' (2004)
*''[[The Great Yokai War]]'' (2005)
*''[[Gamera the Brave]]'' (2006) [toy]
*''[[Death Kappa]]'' (2010)
*''[[The Great Yokai War: Guardians]]'' (2021)
 
===[[Showa era]]===
====''[[Yokai Monsters: 100 Monsters]]''====
====''[[Yokai Monsters: 100 Monsters]]''====
While the ''kappa'' himself didn't appear in the first of the Yokai saga films, there is mention of the mischievous water imps.
A Kappa was among the yokai led by [[Aburasumashi]] who stormed Riemon Tajiyama's mansion, subsequently parading with them into the sunset.
====''[[Yokai Monsters: Spook Warfare]]''====
====''[[Yokai Monsters: Spook Warfare]]''====
[[File:Kappa_1968.jpg|thumb|right|200px|''Kappa'' in ''[[Yokai Monsters: Spook Warfare]]'']]In this film, the ''kappa'' and his kind have one of the most important roles in the whole film, and is one of the protagonists. He was the first yokai to challenge Daimon, getting his head dish severely burned while doing so. The ''kappa'' then went to the other yokai for help, and though the others seemed to feel that he was suspicious at first, he rallied the troops. He was thought to be killed in the large assault on Daimon when his head dish caught fire, with Daimon setting fire to the pond he dove into to try and extinguish the flames. It was later revealed he was perfectly fine and simply hid below the water. Besides him, there were many ''kappa'' that were in the spirit army that fought against Daimon and his illusions, using their water powers to douse Daimon's fire.
{{Main|Aogappa}}
{{Clear}}
A type of Kappa called Aogappa serves as the film's main character, being the first to confront the Babylonian demon [[Daimon]].
====''[[Yokai Monsters: Along With Ghosts]]''====
 
{{Stub|Section}}
Another Kappa is among the Yokai Navy recruited by [[Nimenonna]] to destroy Daimon. He can be seen parading with the other yokai into the sunset at the end of the film.
Much like ''100 Monsters'', the ''kappa'' isn't seen, but is mentioned. It is possible there are ''kappa'' in the massive crowd scenes of yokai spying on two bandits.
====''[[Go! Kotaro Ushiwaka]]''====
====''[[Go! Kotaro Ushiwaka]]''====
{{Stub|Section}}
{{Stub|section}}
A ''kappa'' appears in ''Go! Kotaro Ushiwaka'' as an enemy monster and ally of [[Coonjo]].
A Kappa appears in ''Go! Kotaro Ushiwaka'' as an enemy monster and ally of [[Coonjo]].
===[[Millennium era|Millennium Series]]===
===[[Heisei era]]===
====''[[Great Yokai War]]''====
====''[[Sakuya (film)|Sakuya]]''====
[[File:Kappa_2006.jpg|thumb|right|200px|''Kappa'' in ''[[Great Yokai War]]'']]Much like he did in the Showa series, the ''kappa'' played a major part in the Great Yokai war of 2006. He was one of the first yokai to respond to the call when the yokai found out that their species were being turned into mindless machines. Unlike the Showa ''kappa'', this ''kappa'' had no powers besides reverting back to his normal size when being crushed by a boulder.
To be added.
{{Clear}}
====''[[The Great Yokai War]]''====
{{Main|Kawataro}}
A Kappa named Kawataro plays a major role in the film, similarly to in ''Spook Warfare''.
====''[[Death Kappa (film)|Death Kappa]]''====
====''[[Death Kappa (film)|Death Kappa]]''====
[[File:Kappa_2010.PNG|right|thumb|200px|''Kappa'' in ''[[Death Kappa (film)|Death Kappa]]'']]In this film, the ''kappa'' is looked after by a woman, but the ''kappa'' is wanted by a band of criminals and mutant fish men. They threaten to use a bomb to destroy all of [[Japan]], and eventually do set it off. However, one of the fish men is caught in the explosion and is mutated into the monster [[Hangyolas]]. Fortunately, the ''kappa'' was also mutated into [[Death Kappa]] and was able to subdue the rampaging titan. After its fight with Hangyolas, it was soothed by its childhood friend who sang it a song and poured water on its dish. The ''kappa'', losing its red eyes, slowly disappeared into the ocean.
[[File:Kappa_2010.PNG|right|thumb|200px|Kappa in ''[[Death Kappa (film)|Death Kappa]]'']]
In this film, a Kappa is looked after by a woman, but is wanted by a band of criminals and mutant fishmen. They threaten to use a bomb to destroy all of [[Japan]], and eventually do set it off. However, one of the fishmen is caught in the explosion and is mutated into the monster [[Hangyolas]]. Fortunately, the Kappa was also mutated into [[Death Kappa]] and was able to subdue the rampaging titan. After its fight with Hangyolas, it was soothed by its childhood friend, who sang it a song and poured water on its dish. The Kappa, losing its red eyes, slowly disappeared into the ocean.
{{Clear}}
{{Clear}}
===[[Reiwa era]]===
====''[[The Great Yokai War: Guardians]]''====
{{stub|section}}
To be added.<!--
==Abilities==
==Abilities==
*''Kappa'' can headbutt his opponents.
===Headbutt===
*''Kappa'' is able to shoot a water beam.
Kappa can headbutt his opponents.-->
*When mutated, the ''kappa'' can breath blue atomic breath similar to that of [[Godzilla]].
 
*When mutated the ''kappa'' can use a variety of physical attacks, e.g. flipping Hangyolas, much like the legend of ''kappa''s being professional sumo wrestlers.
==Video games==
*The ''kappa'' from Spook Warfare could see the inner spirits of people, and was able to identify Daimon hidden inside a person he possessed.
*The ''kappa'' from Spook warfare frequently teleported while trying to assault Daimon.
==Video Games==
*''[[Konami Wai Wai World]]'' (1988) - Nintendo Entertainment System
*''[[Konami Wai Wai World]]'' (1988) - Nintendo Entertainment System
===''[[Konami Wai Wai World]]''===
===''[[Konami Wai Wai World]]''===
[[King Kong]] can meet a type of ''kappa'' named '''Dish-Throwing Gappa''' {{Nihongo|皿投げガッパ|Sara Nage Gappa}} in the Edo stage of ''[[Konami Wai Wai World]]''. As its name suggests, the Dish-Throwing Gappa can create and throw dishes.
A type of Kappa named '''Dish-Throwing Gappa''' {{Nihongo|皿投げガッパ|Sara Nage Gappa}} appear in the Edo stage of ''[[Konami Wai Wai World]]''. As its name suggests, the Dish-Throwing Gappa can create and throw dishes.
<gallery widths="120" position="center" captionalign="center" spacing="small">
<gallery widths="120" position="center" captionalign="center" spacing="small">
Dish Gappa.png|Dish-Throwing Gappa's sprite in ''[[Konami Wai Wai World]]''
Dish Gappa.png|Dish-Throwing Gappa's sprite in ''[[Konami Wai Wai World]]''
</gallery>
</gallery>
{{Clear}}
==Comics==
==Comics==
*''[[Godzilla: Rage Across Time]]'' #1 (2016)
*''[[Godzilla: Rage Across Time]]'' #1 (2016)
*[[The Great Yokai War: Guardians (manga)|''The Great Yokai War: Guardians'']] (2021)
===''[[Godzilla: Rage Across Time]]''===
===''[[Godzilla: Rage Across Time]]''===
[[File:Kappa Rage Across Time.jpg|thumb|right|200px|A ''kappa'' in ''[[Godzilla: Rage Across Time]]'' [[Godzilla: Rage Across Time Issue 1|#1]]]]
[[File:Kappa Rage Across Time.jpg|thumb|right|200px|A Kappa in ''[[Godzilla: Rage Across Time]]'' [[Godzilla: Rage Across Time issue 1|#1]]]]
A ''kappa'' is briefly seen on the side of a road in the [[Godzilla: Rage Across Time Issue 1|first issue]] of ''[[Godzilla: Rage Across Time]]'' as Akio and Gorou Suda travel to the [[Shobijin]] temple.
A Kappa is briefly seen on the side of a road in the [[Godzilla: Rage Across Time issue 1|first issue]] of ''[[Godzilla: Rage Across Time]]'' as Akio and Gorou Suda travel to the [[Shobijin]] temple.
{{Clear}}
===[[The Great Yokai War: Guardians (manga)|''The Great Yokai War: Guardians'']]===
{{Stub|section}}
To be added.
==Trivia==
==Trivia==
*The ''kappa'' from ''[[Yokai Monsters: Spook Warfare]]'' and the one from ''[[Great Yokai War]]'' are implied to be the same ''kappa''.
*[[Kappalge]], a [[kaiju]] who first appeared in ''[[Go! Godman]]'', may be based on the Kappa, among other influences.
*The ''kappa'' in ''Great Yokai War'' apparently knows of the yokai-based series ''Gegege no Kitaro'' and berates people for not enjoying it.
*The Kappa, much like [[Gamera]], can be seen as a protector of children. It wasn't until Daimon began to feed on the blood of children that he tried to rally the other yokai, and 40 years later, he became friends with a boy who could see yokai naturally.
*[[Kappalge]], a [[kaiju]] who first appeared in ''[[Go! Godman]]'', may be based on the ''kappa'', as well as numerous real-life birds such as crows and raptors.
*The ''kappa'', much like [[Gamera]], can be seen as a protector of children. It wasn't until Daimon began to feed on the blood of children did he try to rally the other yokai, and forty years later, he became friends with a boy who could see yokai naturally.
{{Monsters}}
{{Monsters}}
{{Era|DAI|TOH|NIK|IDW|SHO|MIL|KAI}}
{{Comments}}
{{Era|DAI|TOH|NIK|WB|NTV|IDW|SHO|HEI|REI|KAI}}
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[[Category:Mystical Creatures]]

Latest revision as of 19:25, 6 July 2023

Kappa
A Kappa in Death Kappa
Species Amphibious deity
Forms Death KappaDK
Allies Other yokai
Enemies Daimon, KikaiTGYW,
UmihikoDK, HangyolasDK
First appearance Latest appearance
Yokai Monsters:
100 Monsters
The Great Yokai
War: Guardians
For the main character of Yokai Monsters: Spook Warfare, see Aogappa. For the Kappa from The Great Yokai War, see Kawataro. For the mutated Kappa from Death Kappa, see Death Kappa.
Pencil-icon.gif Please help improve this article by contributing useful information or discussing ideas on its talk page.

The Kappa ( (かっ) (), lit. "river child") is an amphibious yokai from Japanese legend. Kappa make appearances in the 1968 Daiei films Yokai Monsters: 100 Monsters and Yokai Monsters: Spook Warfare, the 1974 Toho series Go! Kotaro Ushiwaka, the 2005 Kadokawa film The Great Yokai War and its 2021 sequel The Great Yokai War: Guardians, and the 2010 Nikkatsu film Death Kappa. Kappa are among the most well-known yokai outside of Japan, and have appeared in countless pieces of media as a result.

Appearance

The Kappa is a small, reptilian creature with a pool of water on its head, and "leaves" running around the rim of its pool. The Kappa also has a beak, which gives it a vaguely avian appearance. The version of the creature in Death Kappa is plump and only has a beak on its top jaw.

Selected history

Showa era

Yokai Monsters: 100 Monsters

A Kappa was among the yokai led by Aburasumashi who stormed Riemon Tajiyama's mansion, subsequently parading with them into the sunset.

Yokai Monsters: Spook Warfare

Main article: Aogappa.

A type of Kappa called Aogappa serves as the film's main character, being the first to confront the Babylonian demon Daimon.

Another Kappa is among the Yokai Navy recruited by Nimenonna to destroy Daimon. He can be seen parading with the other yokai into the sunset at the end of the film.

Go! Kotaro Ushiwaka

A Kappa appears in Go! Kotaro Ushiwaka as an enemy monster and ally of Coonjo.

Heisei era

Sakuya

To be added.

The Great Yokai War

Main article: Kawataro.

A Kappa named Kawataro plays a major role in the film, similarly to in Spook Warfare.

Death Kappa

Kappa in Death Kappa

In this film, a Kappa is looked after by a woman, but is wanted by a band of criminals and mutant fishmen. They threaten to use a bomb to destroy all of Japan, and eventually do set it off. However, one of the fishmen is caught in the explosion and is mutated into the monster Hangyolas. Fortunately, the Kappa was also mutated into Death Kappa and was able to subdue the rampaging titan. After its fight with Hangyolas, it was soothed by its childhood friend, who sang it a song and poured water on its dish. The Kappa, losing its red eyes, slowly disappeared into the ocean.

Reiwa era

The Great Yokai War: Guardians

To be added.

Video games

Konami Wai Wai World

A type of Kappa named Dish-Throwing Gappa (皿投げガッパ,   Sara Nage Gappa) appear in the Edo stage of Konami Wai Wai World. As its name suggests, the Dish-Throwing Gappa can create and throw dishes.

Comics

Godzilla: Rage Across Time

A Kappa is briefly seen on the side of a road in the first issue of Godzilla: Rage Across Time as Akio and Gorou Suda travel to the Shobijin temple.

The Great Yokai War: Guardians

To be added.

Trivia

  • Kappalge, a kaiju who first appeared in Go! Godman, may be based on the Kappa, among other influences.
  • The Kappa, much like Gamera, can be seen as a protector of children. It wasn't until Daimon began to feed on the blood of children that he tried to rally the other yokai, and 40 years later, he became friends with a boy who could see yokai naturally.

Comments

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