Makkuro-Kurosuke

Makkuro-Kurosuke, known as Susuwatari or soot sprites, are shy and slightly fearful creatures first introduced in the anime "Tonari no Totoro". They inhabit abandoned buildings and are small, fuzzy, black beings with two inquisitive eyes. They also appear in "Spirited Away" as helpers in Kamaji's boiler room, where they turn back into soot if not given tasks.