Yamabiko

Yamabiko is a Japanese folklore creature related to mountain spirits, often depicted as a small, playful being resembling a monkey or elf that resides in remote mountain areas. It is believed to possess the ability to mimic sounds it hears, such as echoes or voices, and sometimes communicates with humans by repeating their words. The concept of Yamabiko highlights the mysterious and reverent relationship between people and nature, emphasizing the mountain's role as a sacred space filled with supernatural entities in Japanese tradition.