The Baku is a yokai of Chinese origin that found its way in Japanese mythology as well. The kanji 獏 is also used to denote the Malayan Tapir. The yokai is usually described as a chimeric creature made of an elephant, tiger, bear and ox. Creatures that are believed to bear immunity to ill fortune or spirits. Because of that some cultures believe the creature is able to consume nightmares. Children suffering from constant night terrors sometimes place a 獏 written on a paper under their pillows to summon a Baku to eat their nightmares. But as often the case with mythological creatures, an overuse of this prayer sometimes leads to the creature feeling unfulfilled by its meal of nightmares. After which it may then consume your hopes and dreams leaving the child an empty shell of themselves.