Whispers of a voice. “Oiteke”. That chilling cry echoes even now near the Kappa of Oiteke Bori Statue. This isn’t just a statue. It commemorates a legendary event from Edo period Tokyo. The Honjo district then bustled with canals and waterways. Fishermen frequented them. One day two fishermen hauled in a bountiful catch. A terrifying voice startled them. It yelled “Oiteke” meaning “leave behind”. The fishermen fled. Their baskets of fish were abandoned.
The Kappa of Oiteke Bori Statue stands as a reminder of this tale. Was it a kappa a mischievous water goblin? Or a tanuki a shapeshifting raccoon dog? Perhaps an otter or a badger. Some suggest a simple robber. The truth remains elusive. The story became a local legend a Honjo Nanafushigi a Seven Wonder of Honjo. It even inspired a famous rakugo story.
The exact location is debated. The Kappa of Oiteke Bori Statue sits near Kinshicho. It marks one proposed site. Another monument claims the true location. It’s a short distance away beyond the Yokojukken River. This enduring tale shows the enduring power of folklore. It lives on in this striking statue. It connects us to Edo period Tokyo’s mysterious past.
The Kappa of Oiteke Bori Statue itself is unmissable. Its presence is a constant reminder of the legend. It’s a testament to a chilling story that continues to fascinate. It’s more than just a statue. It’s a portal to a time of mystery and wonder. It’s a tangible link to Edo’s vibrant storytelling tradition. A symbol of a thrilling event. A chilling cry. A story told and retold through generations. The Kappa of Oiteke Bori Statue truly is a captivating piece of Tokyo’s past.