Kappa://

Pronunciation: (KAH-pah)

English name: River child

Distinctive features: A small, reptilian humanoid about the size of a kid. Turtle-like beak and shell, webbed hands and feet, scaly skin in greens, blues, or reds, and the famous water-filled dish on top of the head. That dish is their power source and it’s always a focal point in designs.

Powers: Super strong for their size, especially in water. Expert swimmers, intelligent, and weirdly skilled at things like medicine and bone-setting. Lose their power if the water spills from the dish on their head.

Habitat: Rivers, lakes, ponds, wells, and waterways all over Japan. Basically anywhere there’s water.

Claim to fame: One of Japan’s most famous yokai. Known for being mischievous, rude, and sometimes dangerous, but also honorable. If you outsmart one, it’ll keep its word forever. Loves cucumbers, hates horses, and causes chaos for fun.

Common tattoo depictions: kappa heads work great as small flash but full body depictions make good large scale tattoos. Pairs perfectly with waves, reeds, cucumbers, sumo poses, or river scenes.

Tattoo symbolism: Mischief, water energy, strength, intelligence, danger beneath the surface, and respect for nature’s rules.