Yagas

Yagas are traditional Japanese folk deities, often associated with nature and the spirits of the dead. They are typically invoked during festivals and rituals to bring good fortune and protect against evil. Yagas are often depicted as small, humanoid figures, sometimes with animal features, and are often accompanied by a yagura, a small shrine or altar. The most famous yaga is probably the Kitsune, a fox spirit that is often depicted as a yaga. Yagas are also associated with the concept of yamabiko, or mountain spirits, which are believed to inhabit the mountains and forests of Japan. Yagas are an important part of Japanese folklore and are often invoked during festivals such as Obon, when the spirits of the dead are believed to return to the world of the living.