Name Meaning
Tanuki (狸) is the Japanese word for a native species of raccoon dog, but in folklore, it refers to a supernatural creature with shape-shifting powers.
Origin
- Deeply rooted in Japanese folklore and Shinto traditions.
- Has become a popular character in Japanese art, literature, and statues.
- Associated with trickery, transformation, and good fortune.
Appearance
- Looks like a pudgy raccoon dog with a jovial expression.
- Often shown with a straw hat, sake bottle, promissory note, and a large belly or testicles.
- May appear in human form or disguise itself as everyday objects.
Behavior & Myths
- Master of illusion and transformation—can become people, teapots, or even entire buildings.
- Loves sake and mischief but generally not malevolent.
- May trick travelers or merchants but often ends stories in comical or harmless ways.
Symbolism
- Represents joy, trickery, prosperity, and playful chaos.
- Statues of tanuki are often placed at shops and restaurants for good luck.
- A symbol of the unexpected and unpredictable in daily life.
