Mumako

The trainees at the grand lakeside hall will tell you the salmon on Mumako’s head is a legendary water spirit, whispering secrets of every river and stream. The truth is far simpler, and much louder. Their constant companion is a squat, boastful frog who followed them home one day and never left. Mumako, a master of soups, spends their days gathering herbs by the water's edge. The frog spends its days waging glorious battle against dragonflies, announcing itself as the “Undefeated Champion of the Reeds.” They are an impossible pair—the serene artisan and the croaking warrior. But anyone who watches long enough sees how Mumako always leaves the best bits of fish for their tiny, tireless friend.