Several people I met who know something about folklore told me that Tono Kappas are not really Kappas-- they are unwanted babies who were sent down the river, an euphamism for killed, of course. It's called "mabiki," and was once an accepted way of life in the far north. The land was poor, and famine frequent. Birth control was unknown, and large families impossible to maintain. Extra children had to be sent down the river, but in order not to talk about this fact, the kappa was created. There are little hints about the truth, for instance the fact that Tono kappa are "red" like babies, who are called "little red ones." (In my opinion, babies are pink. Therefore, so are kappas.)
Today, life in the north country is still tough, but mabiki (abortion aside) is a thing of the past. Nowadays, you can buy kappa stationery, kappa keychains, and kappa stuffed animals. There's even a Hello Kitty in a kappa costume.
What can I say. . ."You've come a long way, baby!" (Sorry!)
Oh, it's very sad and yet fascinating local lore. Babies can be red when they are very angry.
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