Tanuki

Tanuki are a type of Japanese yokai, or supernatural creature. They are often depicted as mischievous tricksters, but they can also be helpful and kind. In the anime Inukami!, the main character, Riku, has a tanuki named Shiro as his familiar. Shiro is a loyal and helpful friend, and he often helps Riku out of trouble. One of the most famous stories about tanuki is the story of the Tanuki of the Pine Forest. In this story, a tanuki uses his shapeshifting abilities to trick a group of hunters. He first transforms himself into a large pot of sake, and then he transforms himself into a beautiful woman. The hunters are so fooled by his disguises that they end up drinking all of the sake and passing out. Tanuki are also known for their love of food. In one story, a tanuki is so hungry that he eats an entire village. In another story, a tanuki tricks a farmer into giving him all of his rice by pretending to be a fox. Tanuki are a popular subject in Japanese art and folklore. They are often depicted as having large stomachs, bushy tails, and mischievous expressions. They are also often associated with the moon, as