Tanuki

Racoon dogs that have shapeshifting abilities

Fun-loving, mischievous tricksters—tanuki are some of the most popular of the Yokai in Japan. Many are friendly and jovial and enjoy gambling, drinking sake, and overeating. Being omnivores, these characters also tend to run up large bills at bars and restaurants. They can be raucous and bawdy, or upright administrators and protectors.  

Appearance

Their natural form resembles a cross between a raccoon and a potbellied dog. Many sport a raccoon-style mask on their faces. Often, tanuki wear a wide-brimmed straw hat with a leaf in it and carry a bottle of sake around.     

Abiities

Tanuki Tea Kettle by School of Katsushika Hokusai
Tanuki are powerful shapeshifters, able to transform into items (such as tea kettles, lanterns, or stones), or people (often round-bellied priests or officials). They like to use their stomachs as a drum or imitate sounds to lure curious passers-by into the forest and get them thoroughly lost. Casting illusions for coinage to pay with is another common trick. Despite their deceptive tendencies, their presence is considered a sign of luck and good fortune. If you stick up for a tanuki, they'll repay you in kind.     
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Fun facts
In English, 'tanuki' is often translated as raccoon or badger. Though they are neither.
Most active
Night time
Location
Commonly found in forested areas and small towns. Though they adapt well to any location.
Conservation Status
Rare, but not as endangered at the Kitsune
Related Ethnicities

Appears In:


Liminal Chronicles Series bookcover art by Odette.A.Bach and text by Amy Winters-Voss. Short story bookcovers by Amy Winters-Voss


Cover image: Tanukis by kazushi onishi

Comments

Author's Notes

References

  • Yokai.com
  • Tofugu
  • Gogonihon
  • SoraNews

  • Please Login in order to comment!
    Dec 23, 2020 18:42 by Dr Emily Vair-Turnbull

    I tried to click the mature content thing and it 404'd me. Just so you're aware (pretty sure I know what the content is, though, if I know tanukis).   Interesting article. I love the whole shapeshifter thing about tanukis.

    Emy x
    Explore Etrea | Summer Camp 2025
    Dec 23, 2020 18:43 by Dr Emily Vair-Turnbull

    Ignore me, apparently it worked. XD

    Emy x
    Explore Etrea | Summer Camp 2025
    Dec 23, 2020 19:17 by Amy Winters-Voss

    Good to know! I had some troubles with it too. So will check again later today. Thanks for reading! <3

    Author of the Liminal Chronicles urban fantasy series | Author Website
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