160309-0020 - Catching a Kappa

Illustration of two men holding a rope to catch a Kappa, a mythical river creature that often appears in Japanese folklore.

Kappa were described as troublemakers that like looking up a woman’s kimono, but may also drown people, kidnap children, rape women and even eat human flesh.

Postcard published by the Kokkei Shimbun (滑稽新聞社発行) in 1908 (Meiji 41). The satirical publication was founded in 1901 (Meiji 34) by Osaka-based journalist Miyatake Gaikotsu (宮武外骨, 1867-1955) whose real name was Kameshiro Miyatake (宮武龜四郎).

Between May 1907 (Meiji 40) and June 1909 (Meiji 42), Kokkei Shimbun featured a supplement named Ehagaki Sekai (絵葉書世界, The World of Illustrated Postcards). Each issue contained 30 postcards, many giving salty social commentary. In total 26 issues were published, this card was published in Volume 14.

Under pressure from the authorities, Miyatake shut down the Kokkei Shimbun in 1909, ending it with a “Suicide Issue.”

Title: 河童を釣る法 (Kappa o tsuru hoho) — How to catch a Kappa