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|type1            =Dark
|type1            =Dark
|type2            =Normal
|type2            =Normal
|header          ={{Daiei}} {{Slash}} {{Toho}} {{Slash}} {{Nikkatsu}} {{Race}}
|header          ={{Daiei}} {{Slash}} {{Toho}} {{Slash}} {{Nikkatsu}} {{Yokaip}} {{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]], [[Hangyolas]]{{Sup|[[Death Kappa (film)|DK]]}}, [[Umihiko]]
|created          ={{tt|Japanese Legends|The Kappa is from Japanese legend; it is unknown who exactly created them.}}
|debut            =''[[Yokai Monsters: Spook Warfare|Yokai Monsters:<br>Spook Warfare]]''
|debut            =''[[Yokai Monsters: Spook Warfare]]''
|last            =''[[Death Kappa (film)|Death Kappa]]''
|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.
The '''''kappa''''' {{Nihongo|河童||lit. ''River Child''}} 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.
==Appearances==
==Appearances==
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.
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.
{{Clear}}
==History==
==History==
===[[Showa era|Showa Series]]===
===[[Showa era|Showa Series]]===
====''[[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.
While the ''kappa'' himself didn't appear in the first of the Yokai saga films, there is mention of the mischievous water imps.
====''[[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.
[[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.
{{Clear}}
{{Clear}}
====''[[Yokai Monsters: Along With Ghosts]]''====
====''[[Yokai Monsters: Along With Ghosts]]''====
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.
{{Stub|Section}}
{{Stub|Section}}
{{Clear}}
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]]''====
A Kappa appears in ''Go! Kotaro Ushiwaka'' as an enemy monster and ally of [[Coonjo]].
{{Stub|Section}}
{{Stub|Section}}
A ''kappa'' appears in ''Go! Kotaro Ushiwaka'' as an enemy monster and ally of [[Coonjo]].
===[[Millennium era|Millennium Series]]===
===[[Millennium era|Millennium Series]]===
====''[[Great Yokai War]]''====
====''[[Great Yokai War]]''====
[[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.
[[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.
{{Clear}}
{{Clear}}
====''[[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, 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.
{{Clear}}
{{Clear}}
==Abilities==
==Abilities==
*Kappa can headbutt his opponents.
*''Kappa'' can headbutt his opponents.
*Kappa is able to shoot a water beam.
*''Kappa'' is able to shoot a water beam.
*When mutated, the Kappa can breath blue atomic breath similar to that of [[Godzilla]].
*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 Kappas being professional sumo wrestlers.
*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.
*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 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.
*The ''kappa'' from Spook warfare frequently teleported while trying to assault Daimon.
==Video Games==
==Video Games==
*''[[Konami Wai Wai World]]'' (1988) - Nintendo Entertainment System
===''[[Konami Wai Wai World]]''===
===''[[Konami Wai Wai World]]''===
[[File:Dish Gappa.png|thumb|right|200px]][[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.
[[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.
<gallery widths="120" position="center" captionalign="center" spacing="small">
Dish Gappa.png|Dish-Throwing Gappa's sprite in ''[[Konami Wai Wai World]]''
</gallery>
{{Clear}}
{{Clear}}
==Comics==
==Comics==
*''[[Godzilla: Rage Across Time]]'' #1 (2016)
===''[[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}}
{{Clear}}
==Trivia==
==Trivia==
*The Kappa from ''[[Yokai Monsters: Spook Warfare]]'' and the one from ''[[Great Yokai War]]'' are implied to be the same Kappa.
*The ''kappa'' from ''[[Yokai Monsters: Spook Warfare]]'' and the one from ''[[Great Yokai War]]'' are implied to be the same ''kappa''.
*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'' in ''Great Yokai War'' apparently knows of the yokai-based series ''Gegege no Kitaro'' and berates people for not enjoying it.
*[[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.
*[[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.
*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}}
{{Era|DAI|TOH|NIK|IDW|SHO|MIL|KAI}}
[[Category:Yokai]]
[[Category:Yokai]]
[[Category:Showa Kaiju]]
[[Category:Monsters]]
[[Category:Millennium Kaiju]]
[[Category:Races]]
[[Category:Aquatic Creatures]]
[[Category:Kotaro Ushiwaka Yokai]]
[[Category:Mystical Creatures]]

Revision as of 15:06, 16 February 2019

Kappa
A kappa in Death Kappa
Species Amphibious deity
Forms Death KappaDK
Allies Other yokai
Enemies Daimon, HangyolasDK, Umihiko
First appearance Latest appearance
Yokai Monsters:
Spook Warfare
Death Kappa

The kappa (河童, lit. River Child) are a race of famous amphibious yokai from Japanese legend that made appearances in the 1968 Daiei film, Yokai Monsters: Spook Warfare, the 1974 Toho series, Go! Kotaro Ushiwaka, the 2006 Kadokawa film, Great Yokai War, 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.

Appearances

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.

History

Showa Series

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.

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.


Yokai Monsters: Along With Ghosts

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

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

Millennium Series

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.


Death Kappa

Kappa in 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.


Abilities

  • Kappa can headbutt his opponents.
  • Kappa is able to shoot a water beam.
  • 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 kappas being professional sumo wrestlers.
  • 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

King Kong can meet a type of kappa named Dish-Throwing Gappa (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.


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.

Trivia

  • The kappa from Yokai Monsters: Spook Warfare and the one from Great Yokai War are implied to be the same kappa.
  • The kappa in Great Yokai War apparently knows of the yokai-based series Gegege no Kitaro and berates people for not enjoying it.
  • 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.

Daiei
Era Icon - Toho.png
Era Icon - Nikkatsu.png
IDW
Era Icon - Showa.png
Era Icon - Millennium.png
Kaiju