Name Meaning
Kawa-akago (川赤子) literally means "river baby" in Japanese. It is a mysterious and eerie yokai that appears as a crying infant near riverbanks.
Origin
- Common in regional Japanese folklore, especially in areas with dangerous or remote river crossings.
- Stories may have originated as cautionary tales to keep people away from treacherous rivers, especially at night.
Appearance
- Appears as a crying infant left alone by the river.
- May look perfectly human but sometimes displays subtle inhuman traits like glowing eyes or ghostly pale skin.
Behavior & Myths
- Lures sympathetic people close with its cries—only to vanish or cause them to fall into the water.
- Sometimes associated with kappa or other aquatic yokai who use it as a lure.
- Can also be a restless spirit of a drowned child, according to some stories.
Symbolism
- Serves as a warning about the dangers of riverbanks and the power of deceptive appearances.
- May symbolize grief, loss, and caution against letting emotions override judgment.
