"What exactly does kappa maki mean? Kappa is the name of an ancient and malevolent creature, specifically a Japanese water demon that resides in lakes and rivers. It is small in stature, but its skin is green. It has very bad habits: pulling the people who swim by the legs, lifting girls' kimonos, and kidnapping children and pets. ""Kappa"" translates to ""child of the river."" However, there is no need to fear this creature. The easiest way to defeat it is to bow when you encounter it. Then Kappa starts bowing in response, the magical water from the plate on its head spills, and Kappa loses its power. Another way to defeat Kappa is to wrestle with it in a sumo duel. However, the easiest way is to treat Kappa to a cucumber, as it is its favorite treat. After that, Kappa will promise never to harm people and will grant one wish. Thus, kappa maki rolls, in addition to their classic Japanese flavor, are directly connected to Japanese mythology. "