Physical appearance: Zashiki warashi are ghosts of young children usually between five or six years old. They usually appear in traditional Japanese clothing, although this may just be because they originate in Ancient Japan. Generally, a ghost is in the clothes they died in. These ghosts may be anywhere between fully visible to vague shapes in the form of a small child.

Abilities: They have abilities similar to poltergeists where a ghost can interact with the physical world. Although these spirits seem to only have these abilities to a lesser extent.

Movement: They are known for leaving footprints in ashes and soap powder so unlike some ghosts that glide these ones seem to walk around.

Human interaction: Zashiki warashi brings luck on a household and it’s said that a household that holds a Zashiki warashi often becomes rich. On the other hand, driving one away in any way will bring bad luck to a household and sometimes even death.

Behavior: Zashiki warashi are playful tricksters just like living children, they often make ghostly noises throughout the night, including, but not limited to the sound of footsteps running through the house. They also can track footprints around the house or will whisper.

Fun fact: They are also known as kurabokko and makuragaeshi. Some variations on their habits exist depending on where you hear the legend.