Japanese Symbol for
狐kitsune
fox · shapeshifter · trickster
Readings
Meaning
Fox. In Japanese mythology, 狐 (kitsune) are supernatural foxes with the ability to shapeshift and grow additional tails as they gain wisdom. They serve as messengers of Inari, the god of rice and foxes.
Example words
狐火
kitsunebi
fox fire, will-o'-the-wisp
狐面
kitsune-men
fox mask
九尾の狐
kyūbi no kitsune
nine-tailed fox
稲荷
Inari
Inari (fox deity, rice god)
化かす
bakasu
to bewitch, to deceive (fox magic)
きつねうどん
kitsune udon
fox udon (with fried tofu — foxes love tofu)
Japan's most iconic foxes guard 稲荷 (Inari) shrines — there are over 32,000 Inari shrines across Japan, more than any other type. The 九尾の狐 (kyūbi no kitsune — nine-tailed fox) grows one tail per century of wisdom; a fox with nine tails is nearly omniscient. These mythological foxes inspired characters like Naruto's Nine-Tailed Fox and Pokémon's Ninetales.
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