Name Meaning
Yukinko (雪ん子) means “snow child” in Japanese, a name that reflects this yokai’s frosty, youthful appearance and wintery nature.
- Yuki (雪) = snow
- Ko (子) = child
Origin
- Found in snowy mountain villages in northern Japan.
- Linked with winter festivals and blizzards.
- Sometimes conflated with child spirits or benevolent snow kami.
Appearance
- Appears as a small child wrapped in snow or white garments.
- Skin is pale or icy blue, with visible frost or snowflakes.
- Leaves no footprints in the snow.
Behavior & Myths
- May appear to lost travelers in blizzards, either to help or mislead them.
- Seen as both a trickster and a protector of children.
- Linked with the arrival of heavy snowfall and freezing winds.
Symbolism
- Represents the dual nature of winter—beautiful yet dangerous.
- Symbolizes childhood innocence and the harshness of nature.
- Acts as a reminder to be cautious and respectful of the seasons.
