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A kappa-themed display at a shopping area in Fukuoka.

107. Kappa (Rerun)

September 07, 2026 by Jason Nieling in Culture

During the break between seasons, Sightseeing Japan is revisiting some favorite episodes from the past.

Kappa are dangerous reptilian water creatures from Japanese mythology. Join Jason and Paul as they explore the fascinating folklore behind this odd, cucumber-loving yokai!

107. Kappa (Rerun)
Jason Nieling and Paul Bresin

Topics Covered:

  • History

  • What Do Kappa Look Like?

  • What Do Kappa Do?: Hobbies — Diet — Violence — Shirikodama

  • How to Defeat a Kappa

  • Public Perception

  • Are Kappa Real?

  • Folktales

  • Where to Find Kappa in Japan: Kaiyodo Kappa Museum (Shimanto, Kochi Prefecture) — Sogenji Temple (Asakusa, Tokyo) — Kappabuchi Pool (Tono, Iwate Prefecture)

September 07, 2026 /Jason Nieling
Culture
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