Kappas are flesh-eating water monsters from Japan. Each region and cultural group in Japan calls them by a different name, all essentially meaning the same thing. Identified as usually having the characteristics of frogs, turtles, and ducks together, this Kappa has a duck-like beak, a turtle shell, and frog legs. You will need basic crochet and amigurumi construction skills to create this creature, as well as a felting needle, some loose roving, and 12 mm safety eyes from the location of your choice (I bought mine from Dollsupplies on etsy.com). Baby Kappa is not meant for children unless steps are taken to ensure small parts won’t come off. The finished doll is about 4 inches tall.

Some general history:
Known to cause both harmless and malicious mischief, Kappa’s have been attributed to causing the drowning of children, the rape of women, or of simply keeping fishermen from catching anything from the local streams and ponds. Capturing a kappa meant that they would be forced to help you with farm work or sharing their medical knowledge with you.

Bound by honor, if you are confronted by a Kappa you can often escape by simply bowing. A Kappa will bow back, spilling the water that he holds in the depression on the top of his head (cited as the source of their power), and forcing him to return to his body of water or die. The Kappa is also known for its love of cucumbers. Throwing a cucumber in a body of water with your name carved on it was supposed to protect you in some areas.

One of the worst ways to die at the hands of the Kappa is to be pulled into the water and then having your liver sucked out through your anus. Also known as a Shirikodama vampire, the Kappa would suck out the Shirikodama, which was a magical ball inside the intestine, and if removed, meant certain doom for the person involved.

Read more about the Kappa here.