NeKappa in Kappabashi Shopping Arcade：かっぱ橋の河童

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A statue of a kappa stands proudly in front of the Mando Kappabashi Store in Kappabashi, Taito-ku, Tokyo. This enigmatic creature is a well-known yokai in Japanese folklore, often shrouded in mystery and legend. Physically, kappas are depicted as being childlike, with an entire body covered in vibrant green or red hues. A distinctive dish sits atop their head, a circular area that remains perpetually wet with water - its moisture is said to be the key to its power. If this dish were to dry out or shatter, the kappa's abilities would cease to exist. Kappas are also characterized by a short beak-like mouth, a tortoise-like shell on their back, and often feature scrapers for limbs. They're even said to possess three unique openings at the rear end of their body. Their odor is notably fishy, and some describe their appearance as being eerily reminiscent of monkeys or otters.