Yōkai:Akaname あかなめ Bathroom Ghost
Akaname’s name literally translates to “scum-licker,” and it is considered the embodiment of the fear of using a dark bathroom late at night.
Akaname, also known as the “filth licker,” is a Japanese yokai that is commonly associated with unclean bathrooms. Its primary function is to lick filth off dirty bathtubs and wash basins. Akaname’s name literally translates to “scum-licker,” and it is considered the embodiment of the fear of using a dark bathroom late at night.
This small, goblin-like creature is said to inhabit only the dirtiest homes and public baths. Its body is naked, with slimy hair and greasy skin. It appears hunched and generally much smaller than a child or small adult. Akaname come in many colors and varieties, from a dark green resembling mold to a pink color like bedsores. They can have one or two eyes, and anywhere from one to five fingers and toes. All Akaname have an extremely long, sticky tongue with which they lap up slime, grease, hair, and other filth found in bathhouses and behind toilets. The sound of Akaname licking can be heard by anyone in the vicinity and is said to cause nightmares.
Like cockroaches, rats, lice, and other pests, Akaname is repelled by clean and well-maintained homes. They are shy and tend to avoid humans, scattering in the light like cockroaches. However, they can spread diseases, so it is crucial to maintain a clean bathroom and house to prevent them from settling in.
Encountering an Akaname in one’s bathroom is not a welcome sign, as it is seen as a symbol of uncleanliness and neglect. People believe that it is a sign to clean more thoroughly and that the presence of an Akaname can bring bad luck or misfortune.
Despite its unsavory reputation, Akaname is an intriguing and unusual yokai that is closely associated with bathrooms and cleanliness. Its image is often used in decorative items, such as talismans and amulets, which are believed to provide protection against the yokai. In popular culture, Akaname has been depicted in various forms, including as a character in anime and manga series.
©Emika Oka
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Source
垢嘗 - Wikipedia
妖怪「垢嘗」の伝承・正体｜汚れた風呂に出没！ (ayakashi-web.com)
神魔精妖名辞典: あ行 (shimma.info)