Baku

Meaning: Eater of nightmares, Luck

The Baku is a nightmare devouring mythical beast. It has an elephant’s trunk and tusks with tiger claws. Often depicted in tattoo imagery as a Shishi (Foo-Lion) with an elephant’s head.

Children upon waking from a nightmare will say three times “Baku-san come eat my dream”. The Baku will come into the child’s room and devour the nightmare. It needs to be used sparingly though because if it remains hungry it could also eat one’s hopes and desires as well, leaving them with empty lives. They can also be called upon before sleeping to prevent nightmares.

One can display a baku image over the bed to ward off evil spirits. On the first night of the year, 1st to 2nd day children put a talisman under their pillow. If they have a good dream then they will be lucky for the whole year.