Kitsune (狐)

▣ What exactly are Kitsune, and what’s their role in Japanese folklore?

Kitsune are sacred and mysterious foxes from Japanese folklore, endowed with superior intelligence and magical powers, starring in countless tales. They’re often seen as messengers of the deity Inari Ōkami, protector of rice and agriculture, and are revered at many shrines. They can manifest as benevolent entities bringing luck and wisdom, or as mischievous spirits capable of tricks and illusions. Their most famous ability is shapeshifting, often taking on the appearance of a beautiful woman to interact with the human world.

▣ What magical powers do Kitsune possess, and what does the number of their tails symbolize?

Kitsune are masters of illusion and shapeshifting, and they can generate ‘fox fire’ (kitsunebi). It’s said they gain powers and wisdom with age. The number of their tails, from one to nine, signifies their age and power. A nine-tailed Kitsune, or Kyūbi no Kitsune, is considered extremely powerful and wise, almost divine.

▣ What’s the connection between Kitsune and Inari Ōkami, and why are they associated with shrines?

Kitsune are deeply connected to Inari Ōkami, the Japanese deity of fertility, rice, agriculture, and industry. They’re considered Inari’s messengers, and because of this, they’re worshipped at Inari shrines, which are recognizable by their iconic fox statues. Offerings of fried rice (abura-age) or rice sushi wrapped in fried tofu (inari-zushi) are traditionally left for them.

▣ How are Kitsune physically depicted in their animal form?

In their animal form, Kitsune appear as foxes, often larger and more majestic than common ones. They’re distinguished by their fur, which can range from classic red-orange to white or black, sometimes with golden streaks. A distinct feature is the number of their tails, which can reach up to nine, and are said to multiply with age and the acquisition of magical powers.

▣ Are all Kitsune benevolent creatures, or can they also be mischievous?

The nature of Kitsune is complex and not always benevolent. There are two main types: ‘zenko’ (good foxes), associated with Inari and bringers of good fortune, and ‘yako’ (wild foxes), who can be malicious, deceitful, and even dangerous. Many tales recount Kitsune playing tricks on humans or deceiving them with complex illusions.

▣ How do Kitsune take on human form, and what are the signs to recognize them?

Kitsune are masters of shapeshifting, able to transform into humans, objects, or other creatures. They often prefer the appearance of beautiful women, or sometimes wise old men. Some tales suggest that a reflection, a shadow, or fear can reveal their true form, showing a tail or other fox-like features. Their preference for specific foods, like abura-age, can also be a clue.

▣ Where can Kitsune be found in contemporary Japanese and global popular culture?

Kitsune are extremely popular figures in anime, manga, video games, and fantasy novels. From the ‘Naruto’ series with the nine-tailed fox demon, Kyūbi, to games like ‘Okami’ or ‘Pokémon’ featuring Ninetales, their image as powerful and mysterious creatures is captivating. They continue to appear in works that blend ancient folklore with modern narratives, keeping their myth alive.

▣ What is ‘kitsunebi,’ and how is it connected to fox legends?

‘Kitsunebi,’ literally ‘fox fire,’ is a mysterious ghostly light said to be produced by Kitsune. These flames, similar to will-o’-the-wisps, suddenly appear and disappear at night, often in rural or wooded areas. In legends, Kitsune use kitsunebi to trick travelers or as a guiding light during their wedding processions.

▣ Fun Facts

• In some regions of Japan, it was believed that Kitsune could possess humans, causing a condition called ‘kitsunetsuki,’ where the person exhibited strange behaviors or spoke unusually, like a fox.

• There’s a type of traditional Japanese mask, the ‘Kitsune-men,’ worn during festivals and celebrations, depicting a fox’s face. These masks are often associated with Inari shrines and Shinto festivals.

• ‘Kitsune-udon’ is a Japanese noodle dish named after foxes (Kitsune) because of its main ingredient, abura-age (sweet fried tofu), which is said to be Kitsune’s favorite food. This dish is very popular and can be found throughout Japan.