Statue of Legendary Japanese Cryptid to be Replaced After Years of Service

A Japanese town has announced plans to replace a statue celebrating a legendary cryptid, known as a kappa, that has delighted and frightened visitors for nearly a decade. Given the affectionate moniker Gajiro, the depiction of the legendary aquatic creature reportedly 'lives' in a pond at the community of Fukusaki's Tsujikawayama Park. Cleverly designed to emerge from the water every 15 minutes, the faux kappa has dutifully performed the routine since 2016. However, as one might imagine, the 96 daily dips that account for a staggering 35,000 appearances per year have taken their toll on the fiberglass statue that now looks more than a little worse for wear. Specifically, the piece's paint is peeling, its hair is falling out, and its body is breaking down due to its aquatic 'habitat.'

More on this weird story at the Coast to Coast AM website.