Name Meaning
Kahaku (河伯) literally means “river lord.” It is an alternative name for the more commonly known kappa, used in Chinese and Japanese traditions.
- Ka (河) = river
- Haku (伯) = lord or elder
Origin
- Appears in regional Japanese folklore and Chinese mythology.
- Closely tied to river rituals, offerings, and superstitions around drowning.
Appearance
- Described similarly to a kappa: humanoid, with webbed limbs and a dish of water on its head.
- Greenish skin and a beak-like mouth are common features.
Behavior & Myths
- Associated with drowning incidents or luring people, especially children, to rivers.
- Can be appeased with cucumbers or offerings at riverbanks.
- Some stories describe it as a powerful river spirit that demands respect and reverence.
Symbolism
- Represents the dual nature of rivers—life-giving yet dangerous.
- Acts as a reminder of the respect owed to nature spirits and water deities.
