In Nihon Shoki, which was compiled in 720 and is one of the oldest history books in Japan, foxes appeared for the first time as supernatural beings that let people know good omens and bad omens.

The oldest relationship between the Japanese people and the fox dates back to the Jomon period necklace made by piercing the canine teeth and jawbone of the fox. Origins A nine-tailed fox, from the Qing edition of the ancient text Classic of Mountains and Seas The moon on Musashi Plain (fox) by Yoshitoshi Because of their potential power and influence, some people make sacrifices to them as to a deity.Ĭonversely foxes were often seen as ' witch animals', especially during theĮdo period (1603–1867), and were thought of as goblins who could not be trusted (similar to some badgers and cats). The more tails a kitsune has-they may have as many as nine-the older, wiser, and more powerful it is. This role has reinforced the fox's supernatural significance. Kitsune have become closely associated with Inari, a Shinto kami or spirit, and serve as its messengers. While some folktales speak of kitsune employing this ability to trick others-as foxes in folklore often do-other stories portray them as faithful guardians, friends, and lovers.įoxes and humans lived close together in ancient Japan this companionship gave rise to legends about the creatures. According to yōkai folklore, all foxes have the ability to shapeshift into human form. In Japanese folklore, kitsune ( 狐, きつね, IPA: ( listen)) are foxes that possess paranormal abilities that increase as they get older and wiser. A nine-tailed fox spirit ( kyūbi no kitsune) scaring Prince Hanzoku print by Utagawa Kuniyoshi, Edo period, 19th century For other uses, see Kitsune (disambiguation).

This article is about the Japanese word for the fox.

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