Database: Tanuki

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The tanuki (raccoon dog, viverrid dog, a type of raccoon) is a common animal throughout Japan. In folklore, it is a magical forest spirit considered to be a yōkai, a strange creature or an invisible creature of Japanese folklore. Historically, the tanuki were not friendly, even hostile to humans and sometimes killing them. During the Edo period, the tanuki gradually transformed into a good-natured and mischievous yōkai, endowed with disproportionate male "attributes" and often the subject of humour. Like the fox, the tanuki plays tricks on humans and can also transform into a human. It was said, a tanuki could transform into a high-ranking Buddhist monk and go on a journey. In the 20th century, the potters of Shigaraki began to represent the tanuki with a friendly face, round eyes, a straw hat, a round belly, and carrying a sake gourd on its arm or attached to its belt. In fact, a tanuki loves to drink, which is why these statuettes are found in front of drinking establishments. Furthermore, these statuettes are considered good luck charms. The tanuki was made famous to the Western public by the animated film "Pom Poko" by Isao Takahata (1994).