Daily mythical creature 203: the Akaname [Japanese folklore; yokai]!

(image source: the Gazu Hyakki Yagyo)

An akaname, or “filth-licker” is a strange creature from Japanese folklore. It is a humanoid creature with one sharp claw on each foot and a long tongue, which it uses to lick the filth out of public bath houses after the people have left (although sometimes it interrupts a frightened bather). Though frightening in appearance, they are not evil or malicious.

(image from “Hyakushu Kaibutsu Yōkai Sugoroku” by Utagawa Yoshikazu)

“Aka” or “filth” is a homonym for “red” in Japanese, so the creature is often (but not always) portrayed with a red skin. The Pokémon Lickytung also appears to be based on this monster.

Also note that it isn't always depicted with its trademark single toenail, such as in this image where it has three claws on each foot.

Source: the Gazu Hyakki Yagyo from Toriyama Sekien, I personally read the “Japandemonium” translation by Hiroko Yoda and Matt Alt