Japanese Monsters - Akaname
I just picked up a wonderful book from Junkudo, a huge bookstore here in Japan called “Yokai attack!” From time to time I will be introducing various Japanese monsters unknown to foreigners found within this humorous and informative book. Forget Godzilla and that creepy girl from The Ring. These Japanese monsters, known as yokai, will leave you spooked or blurting “What the hell?!”
The first Japanese monster I will introduce is:
Akaname (Bathtub licker, Filth licker)
Hope your bathtub is clean
General information
Gender: Unknown
Height: 150 cm tall
Weight: Average for a small adult
Tongue length: Up to 30 cm
Movement style: Bipedal
Distinctive features: Long ratty hair, reddish skin and a long, pointed tongue.
Favorite foods: Dead skin and mildew
Offensive weapons: None
Abundance: Widespread
Habitat: Filthy bathrooms
About Akaname
This creature dines on the scummy residue that builds up in and around bathtubs. Neglect your cleaning duties and you’ll further increase the likelihood of an Akaname paying you a visit.
The Traditional Japanese Bathroom
In old times, bathtubs in Japan were made from wood and often the bathroom was enclosed in a separate room from the main house. Dampness, created from poor or no air circulation, mixed with the humidity, created the ideal place for all sorts of creepy crawlies including, you guessed it… Akanames. The bathroom was seen as a scary place, especially amongst children and some superstitious adults
The Attack!
The attack of an Akaname is not aggressive, just revolting and the thought of having your bathtub slathered by a slimy yokai tongue is perhaps even more revolting. In a sense, this yokai`s attack could be seen as a service. They only appear at night and more predominately in the summer months when bathrooms are even steamer, mouldier and stinker than usual. This is one service you probably would like to avoid.
Surviving an Encounter
Your life isn’t in any danger should an Akaname come to visit, its just that once it discovers a filthy bathtub its fond of, it’ll return regularly in search of sustenance. Your reputation may be on the line if the neighbours find an Akaname lingering around your home.
Unconfirmed reports state that Akanames are afraid of the Japanese badger, mujina but before you start getting any crafty ideas, for god’s sake…clean your damn bathtub!
Popularity: 19% [?]
No related posts.
Filed Under: Uncategorized
