Big Book of Mythology (Yokai Edition)

Zashiki-warashi

{Finally, an nice Japanese spirit that won't kill or freak you out you at all}

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Translation: Guest room child

Other names: Zashiki-Bokko

Type: Human

Prefecture: Iwate

Habitat: Zashiki (a sitting room covered in tatami mats)

Diet: None, but enjoys candies and treats left out for them

Danger zone: White (No threat)

❤❤❤❤❤

About Zashiki-warashi:
This yokai is much nicer than most. The Zashiki-warashi are house spirits that appear as young children. These cute, yet mischievous spirits are harmless and doesn't do much but make noise at night.

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Appearance:
They appear as ghost-like five or six year old children with blushing red faces. They can be boys or girls, and usually wear tradition clothes; child-sized warrior costumes for boys, patterned kimonos, with short, bobbed, or long, tied back hair for girls. Rarely they appear as wild, hairy brutish figures.

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Behavior/Interaction:
Zashiki warashi love mischief. Often the first signs that ones house may be haunted by one is a trail of children's footprints going through ashes or soap powder. Other mischief includes making phantom noises which sound like spinning wheels turning all night long, paper crinkling, children's voices, or kagura - Shinto holy music. Most hauntings involve a single ghost, while some involve multiple spirits.

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Abilities:
* Luck Bestowal: Zashiki-warashi are technically sentient luck charms able to grant luck to other beings in various ways

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Targets?
Anyone who lives at the house they haunt

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Escape plan?
Seriously? You want to leave?

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Origin story:
Zashiki warashi are considered guardian spirits of the house, and gods of luck. It is said that a house with a Zashiki warashi will prosper and grow rich, and a house that drives away such a spirit will fall into decline and ruin. In many homes, these spirits befriend the children of the house, teaching them songs, games, and nursery rhymes. They keep elderly or infertile couples company, and these couples often treat the zashiki warashi as if it were their own child. The desire to attract and keep these friendly yokai has led to customs like setting food out in the zashiki for them, and even laying coins in the foundation when building a new house. The Japanese take great care to maintain their zashiki, so as not to drive out any guardian spirits dwelling there.

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NOPE Rating:
1/5