Zashiki-warashi Coloring Pages

A magical child who brings happiness to your home! Zashiki-warashi

Zashiki-warashi is a legendary spirit mainly known in the Tohoku region of Japan, especially in Iwate Prefecture. Even though it is called a yokai, it is seen as a "house-guarding god," a "god of good fortune," or a friendly spirit rather than a scary monster. It looks like a child between 5 and 10 years old. You might see a girl with short bobbed hair wearing a red kimono, but sometimes it appears as a boy, too!

Where do they live?

It is said that Zashiki-warashi lives in storehouses or in a special back room of big, old houses called an okuzashiki. People rarely see them, but sometimes you can hear strange sounds, just like children playing inside the house!

• Playful sounds: You might hear footsteps or the tinkling sound of traditional bells coming from a room where no one is around.
• Flipping pillows: They love mischievous tricks, like turning your pillow around to the opposite side while you are asleep!
• Leaving footprints: Sometimes, they leave tiny dusty or powdery footprints on the tatami mats.

Magical powers that bring wealth to your home

People believe that a house where Zashiki-warashi lives will become richer and richer, bringing great business and good health to the family. But legends say that if Zashiki-warashi leaves the house, the family suddenly becomes poor. That is why long ago, people set out toys and treats to treat Zashiki-warashi with great care so they would stay forever!

How to Choose Colors

When you color the Zashiki-warashi coloring page, try using warm Japanese-style colors!

• Hair: If you color the traditional bob haircut with a shiny black, it will look like the real thing.
• Kimono: Black or dark blue looks great for a boy. Vermilion, pink, or yellow kimonos look very nice for a girl. It is also wonderful to draw extra flower patterns or Japanese-style designs.
• Face and Skin: If you give the cheeks a soft red color, the child will look cute and lively.

Let's Create an Old-Fashioned Look!

Zashiki-warashi often live in old Japanese-style rooms.

• Tatami Mats and Wooden Pillars: Color the tatami mats olive green or yellow-green. Use a calm brown or dark brown for the pillars and floorboards to set the mood.
• Lights and Shadows: Think about the soft light from paper lanterns or candles. Use yellow light, and put darker shadows in the corners. This will make the room look old-fashioned.

Try Creative Backgrounds

Imagine the room where Zashiki-warashi is playing, and draw a background! If you draw old toys around like a handball, beanbags, or a bamboo dragonfly, it will show a fun playtime scene. Drawing garden trees outside the veranda is also a great idea!

Tips for Enjoying the Coloring Page!

Zashiki-warashi brings good luck. So use lots of your favorite colors—colors that make you feel happy just looking at them!

The Guardian Spirit Who Brings Good Luck to Homes

People say that as long as a Zashiki-warashi lives in a house, that family will become super rich! But there is also a story that if the Zashiki-warashi leaves, the family will become poor in no time. That is why people in the old days took great care of Zashiki-warashi so they would stay forever.

Late-Night Mischief: "Makura-gaeshi"

Zashiki-warashi love playing tricks! While people are sleeping, they might move your pillow down to your feet in a prank called "Makura-gaeshi." Or they might make footsteps in an empty room. People say they do these tricks not to scare you, but just because they want to play with you!

There is One at a Famous Hot Spring Inn in Iwate Prefecture!

A hot spring inn called Ryokufuso in Iwate Prefecture is famous because a Zashiki-warashi appears in one of its rooms. Legend says that anyone who stays there and meets the Zashiki-warashi will get promoted or become very successful. It is so popular that it is always fully booked!