With its plump belly, mischievous eyes and habit of showing up in Japanese gardens as stone statues, the tanuki blurs the line between myth and reality.

Known in English as the Japanese raccoon dog, this real animal is wrapped in centuries of folklore, symbolizing everything from prosperity to playful trickery.

What Is a Tanuki?

A tanuki is a raccoon dog native to parts of East Asia like Japan. Tanuki have curved claws, bushy fur, and a reputation for being elusive in the wild.

Despite the name, it’s not actually related to raccoons. It belongs to the Canid family, which includes foxes, wolves and domestic dogs.

The Tanuki in Japanese Folklore

In Japanese legends, tanuki are mystical creatures with supernatural abilities. They can shapeshift, transform into human beings, and even

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