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Zashiki-warashi is a character from Japanese folklore most commonly associated with the Tohoku region. Normally thought of as a little girl under the age of 10, she brings lots of good fortune when she inhabits your home. Many stories about zashiki warashi describe her as appearing at a Japanese inn where she is playfully mischievous and the business becomes very successful. Once the spirit leaves, business will drop off again.

Japanese Folk Tale World has a fable about zashiki warashi.

photo posted on flickr and Used with Creative Commons permission from Nemo's Great Uncle, showing a garden statue of a zashiki warashi