Fern Flower
Published on November 29, 2022

Tanuki

Regions of expansion

Japan 1
Japan

Description

Tanuki (Tanuki, 狸 or た)) is a creature from Japanese mythology.

The creature looks like a badger or a raccoon dog. It is not a particularly intelligent, restless creature, unsuccessfully trying to make fun of people. It is believed that by putting leaves on their heads, tanuki can turn into anyone they want.

Some outstanding legendary Tanuki Japanese build temples and worship as gods.

The genitals of the creature with an area of 8 tatami (12 square meters) are a traditional symbol of good luck.

Tanuki in popular culture