Shikigami (式神, shikigami) is the term used for the summoned spirits of an "onmyouji", a Japanese sorcerer. Shikigami are used to protect and serve their master, much like the Western concept of the wizard's familiar. There are many types of shikigami described in legend, the most common type being enchanted paper cutouts that can produce the illusion of another real-life object. The type of shikigami seen in the Touhou world are distinct entities, not initially created by the onmyouji that, through some circumstances, have agreed to or have been bound to assist the onmyouji.
Shikigami often share a special link to their masters, which may cause their onmyouji to receive sympathetic injuries dealt to the shikigami. Because of this link and the enormous amount of energy needed to maintain shikigami, onmyouji do not usually summon more than one or two shikigami at a time.
- Examples: Chen, Ran Yakumo