Okusare-sama (River God of Filth · River God)

River god covered in mud and garbage

A mysterious river god covered in mud and garbage, purified at the bathhouse and returns to its original form.

Trivia

  • Okusare-sama is modeled after traditional Japanese river deity worship.
  • Called the River God of Filth with an ugly appearance, but originally a beautiful god.
  • The purification scene is one of the important themes of the work.

Alternate names

River God of Filth River God Okusare-sama Kusaregami

Tags

River God Yokai Spirited Away River God of Filth Fantasy Japanese Mythology Purification Filth Washing

Profile

Species
River God
Gender
Male

Appearance

Overall appearance
Its body is covered in mud and garbage, appearing ugly, but when purified at the bathhouse, it reveals its original beautiful divine form.
Distinguishing features
  • Body covered in mud and garbage
  • Foul odor
  • Ugly appearance
Iconic items
  • Mud and garbage

Personality and abilities

Core personality
Humble
Detailed personality
Once a noble river god, it became an ugly figure due to being covered in filth, and desperately desires purification.
Keywords
  • Humble
  • Melancholy
  • Purification
  • Patient
Motto
Being purified is salvation
Talents
  • Divine powers
  • Protection of rivers
Skills
  • Transformation (returns to original form upon purification)
Motivation
To purify itself and return to its original form
Habits
Sensitive to its own filth
Favorite places
Rivers, Clear streams, Bathhouse

History

Backstory
Once a beautiful river god, its body became covered in human filth and garbage, turning ugly, and it revives after being purified at the bathhouse.
Debut date
July 20, 2001
Work title
Spirited Away
Media type
Movie

Purification at the bathhouse

Significant event
Purification at the bathhouse
Description
Purified by Chihiro at the bathhouse, regains its original form.

Role as a helper

Significant event
Role as a helper
Description
After purification, shows gratitude as a spirit of the bathhouse.

Relationships

Chihiro

Savior

Saved by being purified by Chihiro

Gods of the bathhouse

Gods of the bathhouse: unknown

Media appearances

Spirited Away

Movie / Supporting

2001 theatrical release

Voice cast and creators

unknown

Voice actor
unknown
Language
Japanese
Version or series
Theatrical version

unknown

Voice actor
unknown
Language
English
Version or series
English dub

Hayao Miyazaki

Creator name
Hayao Miyazaki
Role
Original author

Studio Ghibli

Creator name
Studio Ghibli
Role
Animation studio

Hayao Miyazaki

Creator name
Hayao Miyazaki
Role
Character designer

Related goods

Okusare-sama plush toy

Item name
Okusare-sama plush toy
Category
Plush or doll
Availability
Regular