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How Fox Folklore and Mythology Influence Japanese People’s Beliefs

Aleia G. Ando

Spring 2013

Abstract

Throughout Japan’s long history, many animals and animal spirits have become integrated in Japanese culture. One animal in particular that has developed a unique image in Japan over time is the fox. As in many other cultures, Japanese foxes have a reputation for being cunning tricksters who have an often inconvenient habit of causing trouble for humans who come across them. Despite their mischievous nature, Japanese foxes have managed to obtain a positive reputation as well. Japanese people harbor various images of foxes and depending on how and where they were raised, their beliefs regarding foxes may differ. However, modern life seldom leaves time for people to be concerned about fox folklore or even traditional forms of worship.

Because foxes are still important spiritual figures today, this study explores how foxes and fox folklore affect Japanese people's beliefs and lifestyles, as well as how the ways Japanese people were raised affect their beliefs in fox folklore. This has been done by first, compiling background research, creating and distributing a survey, then analyzing the responses, given by Japanese nationals.

Significance of the Study

Throughout my time in Japan I often came across Inari shrines and at those shrines

there were many fox statues. I was interested as to why there were fox statues at these shrines,

so I asked my host father and learned that traditionally, foxes are thought to have mystical

powers. When I was younger, I also noticed that foxes often appear in Japanese anime and

manga, so I’ve had somewhat of an interest in foxes relation to Japanese culture for some time

now. Because of this I wanted to investigate Japanese people’s perceptions of foxes and to

what degree they believe in foxes’ powers.

Research Questions

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My research questions as follows:

1) How does fox folklore reflect Japanese people’s beliefs and lifestyle?

2) How do the ways Japanese people were raised reflect their beliefs in regards to fox lore?

These research questions are addressed first, through background research in the form

of a literature review and second, through an analysis of survey answers about the topic.

Research Background

Perceptions of Foxes

First some background information on foxes

as an animal. Foxes are members of the dog

family (Canidae). There are only about 10 true

types of foxes in the genus “vulpes.”Foxes are very

adaptable animals that are able to live almost

anywhere, such as woods and urban areas like

cities. They are found on most continents, but in some cases were introduced by humans. Their

diet: Small animals (mice, rabbits, birds etc.), eggs, carrion, grains, garbage and pet food etc.

The red Fox (also known as the “common” fox) is the subject of many folktales. These folktales

are not limited to a specific area because many cultures around the world have folktales about

foxes

(Encyclopædia Britannica, 2013).

In Japan foxes are considered cute, scary, smart/clever, lucky, unlucky and more. They

are also considered to possess mystical powers (Smyers, 1999). In Western cultures foxes are

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considered Intelligent, cunning and sly. Throughout history they have been hunted both for

their pelts and for sport. In some areas they are considered to be pests due to the fact that they

may carry rabies (Encyclopædia Britannica, 2013).

In both Japanese and western culture foxes’ are used in expressions of which are: in

Japanese culture “きつねにつままれる” (two be bewitched or fooled by a fox), “狐目” (eyes

like a fox), “尻尾を出す(to show one’s true colors, to expose ones faults, to give oneself

away).” In western cultures some expressions are “to be sly as a fox,” or "a foxy a woman.”

Foxes in Japanese folklore have more than one image. The

main two roles are divine messenger and mischievous tricksters.

The divine messenger delivers messages from a god while the

mischevious trickster bewitches humans.

The first Japanese fox story is said to have appeared in the

year 822 in the “Nihon Ryooiki.” This is the first fox wife story

where a fox disguised as a beautiful woman marries a man and

starts a family (Liu, 2005). The next story is one of the most commonly read children’s stories in

Japan, “Gon Gitsune.”

Foxes are believe to possess mystical powers. For example they

are said to be able to shape shift, produce fire and appear in people’s

dreams. They often appear in the form of a beautiful woman, but they

have also been known to have the power to transform into trains,

kettles and other objects (Smyers,1999). Foxes are also known to

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possess humans which often causes deviant behavior such as night terrors,

dizziness, jumping into Rivers, eating gravel, chewing hair and wandering

etc. (Encyclopedia of Medical Anthropology, 2004). They also play there is

other mischievous tricks on humans.

In Japanese culture foxes have a deep connection to religion and

are often closely associated with the god Inari. Foxes are said to be the

messengers of Inari Smyers, 1999). One third of the Shinto shrines in Japan are Inari shrines

(Smyers,1999). Inari is a related to both a Shintoism and Buddhism. Inari was originally

believed to be a rice deity “Inari” possibly derived

from “ine” meaning rice. Inari beliefs spread during

the Heian period starting in Kyoto and over time

people’s reasons for worshiping Inari increased.

Originally a rice god, Inari’s image expanded to

fishing god, warrior god, and a god of luck or

prosperity（Smyers,1999）. Inari shrines can

found anywhere in Japan; many can even be found within cities (Ashkenazi,

2003).

Today, foxes often appear in anime and manga. These foxes often have

characteristics and behaviors found in foxes of Japanese folklore. There are

many intelligent and cunning characters some of which bewitch humans.

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Another fox that has gained popularity due to Japanese anime is the “nine tailed fox” (Matteas,

2009).

Research

Research participants

In this study there were a total of 60 Japanese participants; within these participants

there where 28 females and 32 males. This chart depicts the age ranges of the survey

participants.

性別 人数

17-19: 5

20-29: 32

30-39: 4

40-49: 11

50 + : 8

Total 60

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Research method

My research was completed by conducting a Japanese survey via google docs.

Results

Research question 1

First I’ll discuss the results pertaining to research question one: How does fox folklore

reflect Japanese people’s beliefs, spirituality and lifestyle? According to survey the survey

participants, top three adjectives that best describe foxes are mischievous, cunning/sly, and

intelligent.

Figure 1: Adjective that Describe Foxes

Mischievous

Smart

Cute

Scary

Nice

Interesting/funny

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

Agree Disagree Not Sure

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Next, participants believe that foxes are more closely connected to Shintoism that into

Buddhism. Also though they believe that foxes have a connection to anime and manga their

connection to folklore is stronger.

　　Figure 2　　　　　 　　　　　　　　　　　　　Figure 3

Buddhism

Shinto

0% 50% 100%

Foxes connection to re-ligion

Agree Disagree Not Sure Participants believe that foxes have a close

association with Inari. Next they believe foxes I closely associated with possession, cases and

prosperity.

Figure 4: Foxes’ Connection to the Following Concepts

Inari

Farming Prosperity

Curses

Vengeful

Possession

Grateful

Wealth

Good Fortune

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

Agree Disagree Not Sure

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According to this chart 1/3 survey participants believe in fox possession while 1/3 do not. The

remaining 1/3 is not sure.

Figure 5: Fox Possession

67% of the survey participants are familiar with

fox folktales and when asked whether they enjoy

them or not about half the people said they liked

them. People who answered but they wanted to

teach fox stories to their children seem to have a

good image a foxes. They thought of them as cute and many connected them with their local

Inari shrines. Those who answer that they did not like foxesdid not seem to know much about

fox stories nor had they heard good things about foxes.

Figure 6：

Commonplaces that participants learn about fox

folktales include mainly books, family and school.

When asked which stories participants would like to

teach to their children they answered with “Gon

Gitsune” and “Kitsune no Yomeiri.” Their reasons being

they had a close association with a Inari and taught

50%

11%

39%

Participants' Opinions of Fox StoriesLike them

Don't really like themNo opinion

38%

32%

30% ExistsDoes Not Ex-istNot Sure

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morals. Those who do not want to teach fox stories to their children didn’t seem to like fox is

very much.

Other mystical creatures in Japanese folklore include monkeys, snakes, cats and raccoon

dogs. When comparing foxes to these animals in terms of intelligence, foxes were ranked as

number one closely followed by monkeys. Foxes are also ranked highest for possessing

mystical powers a close second being the snake.

Figure 7 　　　　Figure 8

　

Monkey

Cat

Fox

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

Following Animals are Intelligent

Agree Disagree Not Sure

Monkey

Cat

Fox

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

The Following Animals Possess Mystical Power

Agree Disagree Not Sure

Next, participants believe that foxes bring good luck. They also believe that foxes have bad

character, but this is the same for other animals as well.

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Figure 9　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　Figure 10

Monkey

Cat

Fox

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

Do the following animals' bring luck?

Agree Disagree Not Sure

Fox

Cat

Monkey

0%20%

40%60%

80%100%

The Following Animals are of bad Character

Agree Disagree Not sure

None of the animals chosen are believed to be honest.

Figure 11

Monkey

Snake

Cat

Racoon Dog

Fox

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

The following animals are honest

Agree Disagree Not Sure

Now I would like to summarize my findings to research question one. Japanese people

both like and dislike foxes. The people who like foxes tend to be familiar with fox folklore and a

or have a connection with Inari or any Inari shrine close to their homes. Compared to other

spiritual animals, foxes generally score high in intelligence as well as being cunning and/or sly.

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People also believe that they bring good luck. Stories that Japanese people would like teach to

their children are: “Gon Gitsune” and “Kitsune no Yomeiri.”

Research question 2

Next I’d like to discuss my findings for research question 2: How do the ways Japanese

people were raised reflect their beliefs in regards to fox folklore? When it comes to religion,

55% of survey participants associated themselves with no religion, 35% associate with

Buddhism. 60% of participants reported that their households follow Buddhism.

　Figure 14　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　Figure 13

Shinto

Buddhism

Christian

ityNone

Other0%

10%20%30%40%50%60%

Participant's Religion

　　

Shinto

Buddhism

Christian

ityNone

Other0%

20%

40%

60%

Participant's Household's Reli-

gion

About half of the participants reported having Buddhist altars in their homes. About 40%

reported having Shinto alters in their homes. About half of the participants reported that they

knew of Inari shrines close to their homes, but not very many visit often if at all.

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Figure 16　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　Figure 15

47%

30%

23%

Participants with Inari Shrines Close to Their Homes

HaveDo Not HaveNot Sure

5%12%

40%

33%

10%

Frequency in Which Partic-ipants Visit Inari Shrines

Often VisitSometimes VisitDon't Visit Of -tenNever VisitOnly Visited During Childhood

Many Japanese people believe that the connection between Inari and foxes is that Inari is a fox

god and foxes are Inari’s messengers.

Figure 16: What is the Relationship?

36%

1%

32%

13%

16%

1% Inari is a fox godFoxes bewitch InariFoxes are the messengers of InariFoxes protect InariNot sureOther

This chart shows which shrines Japanese people tend to visit.

Figure 17: Participant's Probability of Stopping at Shrines

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Inari Shrine

Regular shrine

Inari Shrine in a Regular Shrine (both)

Inari Shrine in a Regular Shrine (only one or neither)

Yes

Probably

No

Not Sure

Participants generally visit shrines for holidays like New Year’s or when they are going

through tough times and have a particular wish that they want fulfilled. Participants believe

Inari especially brings business prosperity.

Figure 18: Participants believe Inari can bring prosperity in:

Business Harvest Wealth Marriage Other0%

5%

10%

15%

20%

25%

30%

35%31%

22%

12%

8%

26%

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Now I will summarize research question 2’s findings. First, most participants believe

their households follow Buddhism; however, most individuals claim not to follow any religion.

Most people are aware of Inari shrines in their communities, but they almost never or never

visit them. Japanese people believe that Inari brings prosperity in many forms. The most

common form in which Inari is believed to bring prosperity is business.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Japanese people have very diverse views on foxes. Compared to other

spiritual animals, foxes generally score high in intelligence as well as being cunning and sly.

They are also believed to bring luck. 1/3 of the survey participants believe in fox possession.

Generally, Japanese people who read fox stories want to teach them to their children because

of foxes’ connection to Inari as well as to pass on morals. Japanese tend to believe foxes have a

cute image. The most popular stories survey participants want to teach to their children are

Gongitsune and Kitsune no Yomeiri. Most people know of Inari shrines in their areas, but do not

often visit them and people most commonly pray to Inari for business prosperity.

Discussion

I was Surprised to find out that even today, there is a deep connection between

Japanese life styles and folkloric foxes. I was also surprised to find that 1/3 of the survey

participants believe that foxes have mystical powers, such as the power to possess people. It

was interesting that 1/3 of the survey participants know of Inari shrines close to their homes,

but most people do not visit them. For future Studies I would like to expand the study to other

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mystical animals’ influence on Japanese people’s lives as well as conducting interviews in

addition to surveys.

References

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Red fox. http://animals.nationalgeographic.com/animals/mammals/red-fox/

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Acknowledgments

Dr. Yoshiko Saito-Abbot

Dr. Shigeko Sekine

Gus Leonard

WLC Faculty

My Family and Friends

Nagoya University of Foreign Studies Friends

The Onodera Family

Everyone who participated in my research

Survey:

The following is a copy of my survey.

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