Yamabiko (folklore)

Yamabiko (山彦, also yamahiko) is a mountain god, spirit, and yōkai in Japanese folklore; the term "yamabiko" also refers to the echo that occurs in mountains, after which the yōkai is named. Literally translated, the term means "mountain boy".^[1] It is the yōkai responsible for the natural phenomenon in mountains or canyons.^[2] Living deep in the mountains, direct encounters with the yamabiko are rare. Often they are heard, but never seen.^[2] The small and elusive yokai wasn't officially classified until the Edo period in Japan. Instead the bizarre noises coming from the mountain were attributed to a natural phenomenon, like birds, and not given any spiritual significance.^[3] It is usually depicted with gray fur, peach-colored belly, floppy ears, large grin, and arms outstretched as though it is caught mid-shrug.