狐

However, the line between these types is not always clear: the same fox can behave differently in different circumstances.

Symbolism and role in culture.
The number of tails symbolizes strength and age. Kitsune are believed to grow an additional tail approximately every hundred years. When a fox has nine tails, its fur becomes silver, gold, or white, and it gains immense strength and wisdom. The highest form is tenko ("heavenly fox"), which serves Inari.

Rain from a clear sky in Japan is sometimes called "kitsune no yomeiri" ("kitsune's wedding").

Dogs are often depicted in legends as creatures capable of recognizing the true nature of kitsune, which is why foxes fear them.

Inari Shinto shrines often feature fox statues, and torii (red gates) leading to the shrine can be seen at the entrances to the shrine.

Where did the image come from?
The image of kitsune was formed from a mixture of local Japanese beliefs (where the fox was often an attribute of the goddess Inari) and Chinese legends, in which werefoxes often came into contact with demonic creatures.

In modern culture
The image of the kitsune has become deeply ingrained in Japanese culture and has transcended its borders. Today, it is actively used in manga, anime, computer games, and films.

Kitsune (狐) is a mythical creature from Japanese mythology and folklore, a fox endowed with supernatural powers. It is often classified as a yokai, a term used to describe a variety of supernatural creatures in Japanese tradition.

What the myths say:
According to legend, a kitsune gains magical powers and the ability to assume human form upon reaching a certain age—usually a hundred, but some legends say fifty. Most often, she takes the form of a seductive beauty, but sometimes she takes the form of a man.

Other attributed abilities:
to inhabit other people's bodies;
create complex illusions that are almost indistinguishable from reality;
appear in other people's dreams;
They can breathe or otherwise create fire (the so-called "foxfire"—kitsunebi, which in folklore was used to explain will-o'-the-wisps in swamps); in some legends, they can bend space and time, drive people mad, and assume fantastic forms (for example, a huge tree or a second moon in the sky). Occasionally, kitsune are also credited with "vampiric" behavior—feeding on the life or spiritual energy of people.

Kitsune are sometimes described as guardians of a special artifact—the hoshi no tama ("star ball"). According to one theory, the fox "stores" some of its magic in it after its transformation. It is believed that whoever possesses this ball can compel the kitsune to aid them.

Another important trait: kitsune are obligated to keep their promises. If they break their word, they will lose some of their power or rank.

Types of Kitsune.
In Japanese folklore, there are two main types:
Myōbu (divine fox) is often associated with the goddess Inari, who patronizes rice fields, fertility, and entrepreneurship. Kitsune were originally her messengers (tsukai), and therefore are revered: they can help people, bring prosperity and success in business.
Nogitsune (wild fox) are usually described as more evil and cunning. These kitsune can deceive people, lead them astray, possess them, and cast a spell.