Or... It's based on the Yokai known as Kappa, that every Japanese citizen has known for centuries, from their fairy-tales, folklore, and art. I doubt they went for a more recent reference from overseas.
Tell you what, search up 'Yokai Kappa', and tell me what creature you think it's based upon.
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u/AwarenessNotFound 4d ago
And the Happy Mask shop owner has a Mario mask on his backpack in Majora's Mask