A Kappa ('river-child'); alternatively called kawataro ('river-boy'); is a yokai (supernatural monster) found in Japanese folklore. The name is a combination of the word kawa (river) and wappa; an inflection of warabe (child). In Shinto they are considered to be one of many suijin ('water deities').

A hairy kappa is called a Hyosube.There are more than eighty other names associated with the kappa in different regions. Along with the oni and the tengu; the kappa is among the best-known yokai in Japan. Pictures From History