![]() In this way, it is assumed that people in Japan acquired the culture of respecting kitsune as messengers of Inari Okami. Because fox urine has a rat-repelling effect, Japanese people placed a stone with fox urine on a hokora of a Shinto shrine set up near a rice field. ![]() Īccording to Hiroshi Moriyama, a professor at the Tokyo University of Agriculture, foxes have come to be regarded as sacred by the Japanese because they are the natural enemies of rats that eat up rice or burrow into rice paddies. Also, their descendants are depicted as doing evil things by taking advantage of their power. In this story, a man from Mino Province and a kitsune having a female personality get married and have a child, and the kitsune as the wife is described as a person who has a deep resentment against dogs. Various legends about foxes with human personalities were first described in Nihon Ryōiki which was compiled around 822. In Nihon Shoki, which was compiled in 720 and is one of the oldest history books in Japan, foxes appeared for the first time as supernatural beings that let people know good omens and bad omens. The oldest relationship between the Japanese people and the fox dates back to the Jomon period necklace made by piercing the canine teeth and jawbone of the fox. The moon on Musashi Plain (fox) by Yoshitoshi Because of their potential power and influence, some people make sacrifices to them as to a deity.Ĭonversely foxes were often seen as " witch animals", especially during theĮdo period (1603–1867), and were thought of as goblins who could not be trusted (similar to some badgers and cats). The more tails a kitsune has-they may have as many as nine-the older, wiser, and more powerful it is. This role has reinforced the fox's supernatural significance. Kitsune have become closely associated with Inari, a Shinto kami or spirit, and serve as its messengers. While some folktales speak of kitsune employing this ability to trick others-as foxes in folklore often do-other stories portray them as faithful guardians, friends, and lovers.įoxes and humans lived close together in ancient Japan this companionship gave rise to legends about the creatures. According to yōkai folklore, all foxes have the ability to shapeshift into human form. In Japanese folklore, kitsune ( 狐, きつね, IPA: ( listen)) are foxes that possess paranormal abilities that increase as they get older and wiser. They have specific functions that they are obligated to fulfil.A nine-tailed fox spirit ( kyūbi no kitsune) scaring Prince Hanzoku print by Utagawa Kuniyoshi, Edo period, 19th century All kami have different duties that they need to perform.There are three hundred different varieties of kami mentioned in the Kojiki and they all have different jobs.They move around and visit their places of worship but they don’t stick around for too long.They live in sacred places, natural phenomena, or people during rituals that seek their blessings. In Yamakage Shinto, kami have an additional two souls that they hide- saki-mitama or the happy one and kushi-mitama or the mysterious one. They have two souls- nigi-mitama or the gentle one and ara-mitama or the assertive one. Kami are of two minds- When respected, they can be nurturing and loving’ but when disregarded, they can bring destruction and discord.In ancient traditions, the following were believe to be the defining characteristics of kami: Kami has been used to describe the mind, God, supreme being, an effigy, and anything that is worshipped. They are considered to be dangerous and not to be messed with. Yurie (ghosts) and oni have played a huge role in Japanese cultures and traditions. However, there are varying myths that suggest that oni is a type of yokai. ![]() In Japanese folklore, Yokai are strange, supernatural monsters, spirits and demons. The most popular name for demons in Japan is Yokai. Kami refers to the spirits, phenomena or “holy powers” that the Shinto religion of Japan has respected for many years. ![]() Japanese culture and tradition has given rise to many gods and goddesses as well as demons. We are taught that we live in a world of gods and monsters and we get to choose if we believe in them or not. No matter what religion or culture you belong to, the concept of gods and demons is inculcated in us from an early age. Here’s a list of Japanese gods and demons you should know if you’re a fan of Japanese mythology and folklore.
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