Tanuki

A tanuki is a Japanese creature often depicted as a mischievous, shape-shifting animal similar to a raccoon or fox. Known in folklore, tanuki are believed to have magical abilities, such as transforming into objects or humans, and are associated with good fortune and playful deception. They are real animals called Japanese raccoon dogs (Nyctereutes viverrinus), native to East Asia, and are characterized by their round faces, thick fur, and masked appearance. In cultural stories, tanuki are symbols of cleverness and adaptability, blending myth with the natural animal both historically and culturally.