Night Traveler, also known as Okuriookami, follows behind those who travel by night.
Formerly, people who lived in the mountains often spoke of Okuriookami.
In legends and tales, these youkai could be both good and evil.
The benevolent ones would light lanterns at night to illuminate the path for night travelers and protect them from the harm of malevolent mountain spirits.
They also enjoyed guiding those who lost their way in the mountains at night, leading the way.
Typically, after safely escorting people home, they would depart, their deeds unseen and unsung.
They were the protectors of the mountain nights.
But, it is said, there were also malevolent Okuriookami, which would silently follow travelers at night, waiting for an opportunity. If the night traveler stumbled, they would pounce and devour them.
Such youkai legends exist throughout Japan, though they vary greatly in appearance from one region to another.
