44) Japan - 20. Akaashi

The name literally translates to 'red foot.' It appears between sunset and midnight on mountain paths or secluded roads, startling people by showing only a red foot. Depending on the region, it's said that without revealing its true form, it tangles the feet with dry cotton or spiderwebs, hindering movement and causing people to fall. While the damage isn't fatal, it was feared as a cause of falls and getting lost. In some areas where the latter occurs, methods to resolve it are passed down, such as taking deep breaths and adjusting stride, sitting down to retie straw sandal laces, or shaking off the feet or ankles. In the Shiaku Islands of Kagawa Prefecture, there's a legend that a red foot suddenly appears at mountain path intersections to block the way. In Fukuoka Prefecture, it's said that while no form is seen, cotton-like substances wrap around the feet, making it difficult to walk. It's sometimes associated with or considered the same entity as the 'Akateji' (red-handed child) from Hachinohe, Mutsu Province, but the exact relationship is unclear due to differing regional legends about these two yokai.