shikigami
Shikigami are spirit familiars in Japanese folklore, often associated with Onmyōdō, a traditional Japanese esoteric cosmology. They are typically summoned by practitioners, known as Onmyōji, to assist in various tasks, such as protection, divination, or even combat. Shikigami can take on various forms, including animals or human-like figures, and are believed to be manifestations of the practitioner's spiritual energy.
In many stories, shikigami are depicted as loyal servants that carry out their master's commands. They are often created through rituals and can be controlled through written talismans or incantations. The concept of shikigami highlights the connection between the physical and spiritual worlds in Japanese culture.