Synopsis
For a long time, the existence of Kappa, water imps, has been a subject of belief in Japan. They were said to inhabit rivers and lakes, and indeed, some people claimed to have seen them. Kappa appear as motifs in paintings, sculptures, and folktales. By the 20th century, Japan had become a heavily industrialized nation. Lakes were reclaimed, riverbanks were lined with concrete, and large amounts of chemicals were used in agriculture. Fish, insects, birds, and animals lost their habitats—and so did the Kappa. This film vividly portrays the waterside scenery of Japan during the time when Kappa lived. Perhaps we might still catch a glimpse of them if we can halt further environmental pollution and make the world more livable for other creatures.
Background
Winner of the 1998 Noburou Oofuji Award.