In East Asian mythology; Yama is a dharmapala (wrathful god) and King of Hell. It is his duty to judge the dead and rule over the various hells and purgatories; presiding over the cycle of samsara (cyclic; circuitous change). Yama has spread from being a Hindu god to finding roles in Buddhism as well as in Chinese; Korean and Japanese mythology.

Yama's role in Theravada Buddhism is vague and not well defined; though he is still a caretaker of hell and the dead. He judges those who die to determine if they are to be reborn to earth; to the heavens or to the hells. Sometimes there are more than one Yama; each presiding over one of the distinct hells. In Tibetan Buddhism; Yama is seen as a guardian of spiritual practice; and regarded with horror for his role in the cycle of death and rebirth.

In Chinese mythology; and similar stories in Korea and Japan; he is primarily known as either Yanluo or King Yan; and is the god of death and overseer of the Ten Kings of Hell. He is portrayed as a large man with bulging eyes; a long beard and a scowling red face. He is both ruler and judge of the underworld; and is always found alongside his two guardians; Ox-Head and Horse-Face. Those spirits who do good are rewarded; while those who have sinned are punished and tortured.