Nuppeppō/Nuppefuhō

The Nuppeppō is a yokai from Japanese myth. Its name may be a corruption of slang referring to someone wearing excessive makeup. Some think these creatures are related to Nopperabō, while others believe they’re the botched transformations of shapeshifting yokai. They’re the size of a child, but resemble humanoid masses of flesh with undeveloped hands and feet, with indiscernible facial features. They’re notably hideous and smell strongly of rotten meat. They appear at night and cause no harm other than disturbing those who see them, though they do enjoy the sickening effect they have. They’re incredibly fast and difficult to catch despite their passive demeanor. They can be found in graveyards, old temples, and other decrepit places, though it’s very rare to see them, even though their hideous appearance is well known. Often accounts described lords sending warriors to kill these creatures, only for the Nuppeppō to outrun its pursuers and leave them nauseous. Though they’re revolting, their flesh when consumed brought great strength and could be used in the creation of medicine in the Edo period.

Citations:

Meyer, Matthew. The Night Parade of One Hundred Demons: A Field Guide to Japanese Yokai. United States, Matthew Meyer, 2012.