Mintuci

Mintuci (Ainu ミントゥチ; also mintuci kamuy, in Japanese literature also spelled as mintsuchi (ミンツチ)[1]) is a supernatural creature from Ainu mythology, half-man-half-beast,[2][3] and a spirit of water element.[1] The word „mintuci” is probably related to Japanese word mizuchi, a type of a dragon connected to water.[4] Mintuci are often described looking like kappa.[1][4]

Ishikari –one of the rivers said to be inhabited by mintuci

According to legends, when the Japanese came to Hokkaido to establish trade relations with the Ainu during the Edo period, a smallpox demonsneaked on their ship.[5] A smallpox outbreak killed many Ainu.[4] Okikurumi (according to other versions, the Ainu themselves) [5] made 61 puppets from wormwood stalks and sent them to fight the demon.[6] All but one of the puppets drowned, and the remaining one managed to defeat the smallpox demon.[1] The puppets became mintuci kamuy, helping people in case of illness or adversity.[4][6]

Mintuci have been described as having bald patches on their heads, purple-red skin, and bird or frog legs.[2][1] The arms of the mintuci, like those of the kappa, were connected inside, so after ripping one out, the other fell out on its own.[3] Mintuci from different regions have their own distinctive features: the mintuci from the Ishikari River are completely bald, both female and male. Mintuci from Ikeda in the Tokachi region look like little old men or old ladies.[4]

According to popular belief, mintuci control fish and can bring luck to fishermen in exchange for a drowned offering.[2][4] Mintuci were also credited with the ability to increase the number of prey while hunting.[4] There are legends that adopting mintuci disguised as a girl would bring prosperity to the adopting family.[2] The prosperity of Asahikawa and Saru river was attributed to mintuci protection.[4]

Like kappa, mintuci can hunt people and livestock by dragging them under water, spy on people,[4] and possess women who would then seduce men.[3]