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by Yuka Morii
Clay sculpture
Elder river leader of Munakata who brokered four centuries of peace between villagers and water kin.
Chōtarō was the leader of the kappa said to inhabit the Tsurikawa River in Munakata, Fukuoka Prefecture. Believed to have lived for more than 400 years, he was said to have magnificent silver-gray hair and a long beard. (In this clayart, however, he is depicted as he appeared in his younger days.) He served as a mediator between humans and the kappa, helping to maintain harmony between the two.
Chōtarō was the leader of the kappa said to inhabit the Tsurikawa River in Munakata, Fukuoka Prefecture. Believed to have lived for more than 400 years, he was said to have magnificent silver-gray hair and a long beard. (In this clayart, however, he is depicted as he appeared in his younger days.) He served as a mediator between humans and the kappa, helping to maintain harmony between the two.