Tradition: Japanese Mythology
Alternative Names: Suppon, 泥亀, Softshell Turtle
Category: Turtle
The Myth
The Suppon, or Japanese softshell turtle, was regarded as a supernatural creature in various parts of Japan. It was sometimes associated with the Kappa and was believed in places such as Kyoto and Hyōgo to drag people underwater. The Suppon was also known for its vengeful nature, and many tales describe it taking revenge on those who mistreated it.
One story tells of a turtle seller in Sakai, Senshū, who accidentally dropped his knife into a well while preparing to butcher a Suppon. He jokingly promised to spare its life if it retrieved the knife. The turtle descended into the well and returned with the knife in its mouth. However, the man immediately broke his promise and cut off its head. The severed head clamped onto his neck and refused to let go, eventually biting him to death.
Another tale tells of Seisuke, a man from Yōida village in Tajima, who caught a large Suppon during the Tenmei era. While attempting to kill it near a temple pond, he dropped his knife into the water and promised to spare the turtle if it retrieved the weapon. The Suppon returned with the knife, but Seisuke killed it anyway and held a drinking feast with its meat. During the meal, he felt something caught in his throat, which developed into severe pain. After nine days, he died raving mad.
Sources
“Suppon.” 新版TYZ 妖怪図鑑 (New TYZ Yokai Encyclopedia). https://tyz-yokai.blog.jp/archives/1010654250.html