29) Japan - 14. Akaname

Literally translated, its name means 'filth licker.' This yokai appears in empty bathhouses at night and licks away the grime and dirt accumulated in bathtubs and bathrooms with its long tongue. It is said that Akaname leaves behind slimy trails and a strange odor after its visit. While there are few stories of it directly harming people, its appearance itself is considered an omen of impurity and uncleanliness. Therefore, it's sometimes interpreted as a yokai embodying the lesson to keep bathhouses clean and well-maintained. According to some legends, it licks the dirt from people's skin until only bones remain, but this seems to be an extremely rare tale passed down only in a few minority regions. It's said that the Generation 1 Pokémon 'Lickitung' from the Pokémon series is also based on Akaname. The Pokédex entry in Pokémon Ultra Moon states, "When it gets dirty, it licks itself clean with its tongue. Even after licking, it somehow smells, so it's questionable whether it's truly clean."