Akaname (literally, "filth-licker") is a Japanese monster that literally lives off the dirt, filth and grime that accumulates in dirty bathrooms. This monster is said to appear human in shape, but Its skin is gnarled and red, like it stayed in a hot bath too long. It also has a long, pointed tongue, (presumably the better to lap at filth with). Avoiding this yokai is very simple; just clean the bathroom!
The Japanese are able to turn anything cute, even a monster like this. In the manga Neko Musume Michikusa Nikki (Cat Girl Michikusa Nikki), Akaname is cast as a cute little tan boy with blond bristle hair and a huge tongue that likes to lick filth off everything (including cat girls). Also strangely enough, Akaname takes the title role in a British-based children's book called The Filth Licker by Cristy Burne.
