Azuki Arai

Azuki Arai (also known as azukitogi) are a type of spirit found in Japanese mythology, part of the massive family known as yokai. While a distinct entity in its own right, the creature is also part of a larger family of washer-spirits which can be found worldwide, often haunting rivers and streams. While many washer-spirits are ill omens, the Azuki Arai seem fairly unique in that they can bring good luck rather than misfortune.

Azuki Arai feature in many Japanese folk tale and art but are not as widely known as other yokai (such as the infamous Oni and Kitsune) outside of their native folklore.

History
An Azuki Arai is a mysterious yokai that haunts mountainous regions of Japan, living deep in the forests and spending time near streams where humans often encounter them washing beans in a bag. They are often short and squat with large eyes and only three fingers. They are happy creatures but have a dark sense of humor, enjoying singing morbid tales of how they will catch and eat a human. The spirits have no actual intent to do so and are simply playing pranks (unlike their Azuki Baba cousins). Often unseen, the appearance of a Azuki Arai is seen as a good omen and the spirit may grant good fortune to those who witness it.