How Can Tanuki Be Both Real and Mythological?

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.

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

Many stories show them as tricksters who play pranks on monks, farmers and travelers. Unlike foxes (kitsune), who are often portrayed as wise or mysterious, tanuki are more playful and silly.

One of their most famous traits is the belly drum. Folklore says tanuki beat their round bellies like drums to create music or scare humans at night. These stories have roots in Buddhism and reflect tanuki as both protectors and pranksters.

Stone tanuki statues are common across Japan, especially outside restaurants and shops. They're believed to bring good luck, wealth, and prosperity.

Often depicted with a straw hat, sake bottle and a big belly, the tanuki statue is a fusion of myth and marketing. In Japanese culture, it represents a carefree spirit who welcomes guests and wards off trouble.

The real tanuki is nocturnal, omnivorous, and shy. It forages for berries, insects, and small animals, and it prefers wooded areas or farmland near water.

A typical litter includes about four to six pups. In captivity, tanuki are known for their curious nature, though they are rarely kept as pets.

Though they resemble raccoons, their behavior is closer to that of foxes. They use dens and can climb trees. They growl when threatened.

In addition to garden statues, tanuki appear in anime, manga, and video games.

We created this article in conjunction with AI technology, then made sure it was fact-checked and edited by a HowStuffWorks editor.