Akaname are absolutely revolting yōkai that lurk in only the filthiest of places, typically bathrooms that haven't been cleaned in a long time. They are roughly the size of a child, though they often look smaller because of their hunched posture. This yōkai is easily identified by its long tongue and greasy hair.
This yōkai is best known for licking grime off of bathtubs and other filthy surfaces. In fact, it's name means "filth licker". It generally only comes out at night and actively avoids people. If it realizes it has been spotted, it will flee, only to return when the person has left.
While these yōkai do not attack people directly, they are known to startle people because of their unsightly appearance and are thought to spread disease.
FUN FACT: This yōkai appears to be a supernatural take on other vermin that spread disease and are attracted to filthy places such as mice and cockroaches.
Examples in various media:
Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
Lickitung (Pokémon) Although it lacks the traditionally humanoid features of akaname, it has the yōkai's trademark tongue and was likely inspired by it.
Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
Unnamed Akaname (Kiitaro's Yōkai Picture Diary)
Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
