Elf in Japanese

Answer 1

There really isn't a Japanese word for "elf" as the concept of elves originated in European folklore. The elves depicted in Japanese anime and manga are influenced by Western culture. About the closest creatures in Oriental folklore would be the "Oni", mischievous ogre/troll/demonic type spirits. Nevertheless, Oriental mythologies are rife with tales of various spiritual and elemental creatures and demons. Early Oriental religions were rather shamanistic, much like that found in Native America cultures. They have spirits associated with locations that locals held respect for. Considering the number of local temples and respect they pay to long dead ancestors, it is highly likely that many of these legends were actually based on oral history, stories of deeds from long forgotten ancestor that have changed in the retelling over the ages. Another source for Oriental legends are what is commonly referred to as fetish belief systems. Spiritual entities connected to animals and the elements. Feng Shui is the art of balancing the elements for the harmonious flow of energy.

妖精　(ようせい yousei) --> means fairy, Sprite, can be used for elf.