Synopsis
The long-held belief in Kappa, water imps, has been a part of Japanese tradition. They were thought to inhabit rivers and lakes, and some people even claimed to have seen them. Kappa appear as subjects in paintings, sculptures, and stories. By the 20th century, Japan became a highly industrialized nation. Lakes were reclaimed, rivers had concrete banks, and large quantities of chemicals were used in fields. Fish, insects, birds, and animals lost their homes, and so did the Kappa. This film vividly depicts the waterside scenery of Japan during the time when Kappa lived. It suggests that if we can prevent further environmental pollution and make it easier for other creatures to live, we might have a chance to see them again. This work received the 1998 Oofuji Noburou Award at the Mainichi Film Awards.
Background
Winner of the 1998 Noburou Oofuji Award.