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by Yuka Morii
Clay sculpture
Playful mountain child of southern Higo who helps haul timber by day and slips into village baths at dusk.
A mountain spirit said to inhabit southern Kumamoto Prefecture. It is sometimes described as a kappa that has come ashore and has a dish-shaped plate on its head. About the size of a child, it is friendly toward humans and may even help with work in the mountains. However, it is also fond of mischief and has been known to enter people's homes and use their baths without permission.
A mountain spirit said to inhabit southern Kumamoto Prefecture. It is sometimes described as a kappa that has come ashore and has a dish-shaped plate on its head. About the size of a child, it is friendly toward humans and may even help with work in the mountains. However, it is also fond of mischief and has been known to enter people's homes and use their baths without permission.