Kitsune, the Japanese Fox with Multiple Powers and its Meaning (2024)

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An iconic creature of Japanese folklore, the Kitsune is a particularly popular magical animal in Japan.

The Kitsune (狐) belongs to the yokai family - a family of supernatural Japanese creatures. As a polymorphous animal, it has many different powers, including the ability to take on the appearance of a young woman.

It is believed to be the messenger of Inari, goddess of rice and trade. Of cunning nature, this yokai loves playing tricks on humans.

Learn more about this bewitching creature and its legends in this article. 🤩

🦊 History of the Kitsune

Kitsune, the Japanese Fox with Multiple Powers and its Meaning (1)

Illustrations by Utagawa Kuniyoshi. Left: Goddess Inari accompanied by her messenger fox / Right: Prince Hanzoku frightened by a kitsune.

The term kitsune can be translated as "fox" or "fox spirit" in Japanese. According to some scientists, this yokai was born out of ancient legends of Chinese, Korean and Indian origin before being integrated into Japanese folklore.

The nine-tailed fox spirit was called Huli Jing in China and Kumiho in Korea. In addition, this creature is also similar to the Indian Rakshaka who also possessed powers of illusion and a mischievous character. However, some Japanese think that the Kitsune comes from an indigenous concept.

Moreover, the fox has appeared as early as in the 11th century in the Konjaku Monogatari, a Japanese collection of Asian folk tales. It is believed that foxes and humans lived together in harmony in ancient Japan. That's why, unlike its Chinese and Korean counterparts, the Kitsune is considered benevolent in the eyes of Japanese culture since the 9th century, just like its cousin the Tanuki.

Although the true origins of the Kitsune are rather vague, it is the subject of many legends and beliefs in Shinto, Taoism and Buddhism. In some stories, it is said to have real magical powers and a very high intelligence. 🤓

💥 The magical powers of the Kitsune

Kitsune, the Japanese Fox with Multiple Powers and its Meaning (2)

left: Art by©yuchenghong /right : Unknown artist

The kitsune yokai has a similar appearance to the common fox, however it has multiple tails. To know the age of the Kitsune, you just have to count the number of tails it has. Every hundred years, this mythical creature grows a new tail. A Kitsune can have up to nine tails, a sign of advanced experience and wisdom. The Kitsune is covered with a white fur.

Also, as the years go by, its magical powers increase. Thus, at the age of 100, it gains the power of metamorphosis and can take on a human form, usually that of an attractive young woman. The yokai is therefore often associated with a female figure.

Extremely intelligent and mischievous, the fox woman bewitches men and enjoys playing tricks on them. Often benevolent, she can sometimes become evil, depending on the situation. It is important to know that she is very sensitive and resentful. Therefore, be careful not to offend her if you don't want her to put a terrible curse on you. 😨 On the other hand, she turns out to be very faithful and sincere. In general she is a fair soul that brings good things if one respects her.

Upon reaching a mature age, the Kitsune becomes extremely powerful and can take on any appearance. He has the power to read minds, to take possession of minds as well as dreams. Thus, the fantastic creature can manipulate humans and influence their destinies.

Some very powerful Kitsune have the ability to predict the future and modulate time and space. Lastly, the celestial fox is also known to be the master of illusion. It is told that it can create fire by rubbing its tails. 🔥

Different types of Kitsune

Kitsune, the Japanese Fox with Multiple Powers and its Meaning (3)

Illustrationsby Matthew Meyer. Left side: Myôbu /Right side: Nogitsune.

There existvarious types of Kitsune, related to the 13 elements of Japanese mythology (celestial, wind, spirit, darkness, fire, earth, river, ocean, forest, mountain, thunder, sound, and time). It is believed that each fox is connected to a particular element and that this element will determine its temperament.

In some legends, Kitsune wears a necklace of 12 beads around its neck to symbolize these elements. The 13th being represented by the creature itself.

Among the most popular types of Kitsune are the Myobu and the Nogitsune.

  • The Myôbu are benevolent Kitsune linked to the celestial element and to the deity Inari. Meeting them is a sign of good omen.
  • Related to the void element, the Nogitsune are particularly mischievous, but not necessarily malicious. However, be careful not to attract their anger.

The Bakemono Kitsune are ghosts. After their death, these magical foxes have the choice to either sacrifice one of their tails in order to return to Earth or to transform into a spirit.This is somewhat equivalent to the cat and its 9 lives.

Popular legends regarding the Kitsune

Some beliefs say that women who go out alone at dusk are in reality foxes. 🦊

Several myths report that these women sometimes have difficulties in hiding their true nature. They fear their enemies, the dogs and the men of faith, who are said to have the power to unmask them. Moreover, the reflection of the mirror or the influence of alcohol would reveal their true identity. So, if you doubt the nature of your girlfriends, you know what you have to do. 😉

According to the Japanese imagination, when rain starts falling on a sunny day, it means that a marriage between a kitsune and a human has taken place. This is usually a sign of good omen. The children born from this union would have a human appearance with some powers inherited from their mother. One of the most popular legends is that of Kuzunoha.

The legend of Kitsune Kuzunoha, a beautiful story

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Representationsof the Kitsune Kuzunoha.Left side by Utagawa Kuniyoshi / Right side by Matthew Meyer.

A young nobleman, Abe no Yasuna, is on his way to visit a shrine in Shinoda, in Settsu Province, when he encounters a young military commissioner who is hunting foxes in order to obtain their livers for use as medicine. Yasuna battles the hunter, sustaining several wounds, and sets free the white fox he had trapped.

Later, a beautiful woman named Kuzunoha helps Yasuna to return to his home. She is the fox he saved, adopting human form in order to tend to his wounds. He falls in love with her and they marry. She bears him a child, Seimei, who proves prodigiously clever. Kuzunoha realizes that her son has inherited part of her supernatural power.

Several years later, while Kuzunoha is viewing some chrysanthemums, her son catches sight of the tip of her tail. Her true nature revealed, Kuzunoha prepares to return to her life in the wild. She leaves behind a farewell poem, asking her husband Yasuna to come to see her in Shinoda Forest.

Yasuna and his son search for Kuzunoha, and eventually she appears to them as a fox. Revealing that she is the kami, or spirit, of Shinoda Shrine, she gives her son Seimei a gift, allowing him to understand the language of animals.

The legend of Kitsune Tamamo no Mae, a dark story

Kitsune, the Japanese Fox with Multiple Powers and its Meaning (5)

Representationsof the Kitsune Tamamo no Mae. Left side by Utagawa Kuniyoshi /Right side by Matthew Meyer.

Another legend tells the story of a beautiful and intelligent young woman who had bewitched the emperor Toba no In and his son.

The mysterious Tamamo no Mae had an amazing culture despite her young age. Her sharp mind, impeccable appearance, and unparalleled beauty dazzled the court and resulted in her being nicknamed the Lady of Shining Jewels.

One day, the emperor and his son both fell seriously ill without explanation. After summoning several priests and testing many remedies without success, they called an astrologer to understand the origin of their illness.

Abe no Yasuchika, who also had the power of exorcism, soon discovered the true identity of Tamamo no Mae. The beautiful young woman turned out to be a particularly evil nine-tailed fox.

A hunt was organized in order to execute the dangerous creature, who had escaped. After being killed by an arrow, the fox turned into a cursed stone that had the power to kill anyone who touched it.

In another legend, Tamamo no Mae was a benevolent spirit who dispelled the forces of evil. A chime always announced its arrival by ringing 13 times, symbolizing the 13 elements of the mythology.

Meaning of Kitsune in Japanese culture

Kitsune, the Japanese Fox with Multiple Powers and its Meaning (6)

Kitsune statues at Toyokawa Inari Temple, Aichi Prefecture.

Kitsune are known as the guardians and messengers of Inari. Therefore, their statues are found in shrines of the Shinto deity. Worshipped by the Japanese, they are also considered as protective kami, especially against evil spirits.

Japanese artists and the Kabuki theater regularly refer to the 9-tailed fox in their creations. However, the fact that the Kitsune is that famous is partly due to manga, anime as well as video games which have been largely inspired by the myth in its human or animal form.

In the famous anime movie Naruto, the character of Kyûbi represents a fox spirit which takes possession of the hero. Later on, the Pokémon anime released Vulpix and Ninetales, two versions derived from the Kitsune. Moreover, the fox woman is featured in several video games such as League of Legends- to the delight of many gamers.

Kitsune, the Japanese Fox with Multiple Powers and its Meaning (7)

Top: Kyûbi in Naruto / Bottom left: Pokémon Ninetales / Bottom right: Pokémon Vulpix.

Meaning of the Kitsune mask

If you have followed this far, you will have understood that the Kitsunes are the messengers of the goddess Inari. As such, they are themselves worshipped as kami (Shinto deities). Before the harvest period, shrines ⛩️ that are dedicated to the goddess of rice and fertility organize celebrations where participants may wear Kitsune masks. The purpose being to attract good favor from the deities to secure a good harvest. 🌾

However, the most likely place to wear your fox mask is during the matsuri (popular Japanese festivals).

The most well-known festival is the Oji Kitsune no Gyoretsu. This event takes place in Tokyo on New Year's Eve and brings together hundreds of people dressed up or made up as foxes. The parade moves to the Oji shrine for the first prayer of the year.

Why so? You might ask. This tradition is based on a legend according to which, each year, the Kitsunes gather under a tree to welcome the coming new year. Afterwards, they take the form of humans dressed as Kitsune to sneak into the Oji Shrine for the first visit of the year. Hey, no wonder they are called " sly as a fox". 😄

If you're nearby at this time of year, this is a great opportunity to have an unforgettable New Year's Eve and maybe, who knows, spot a few Kitsunes hidden in the crowd 😉

Last but not least, the Kitsune mask is also used in theater, where many kabuki shows are still staging some folk tales around this fox.

The 9-tailed fox, a magical creature both mysterious and fascinating, is a master of cunning and has taken over Japanese folklore. The popularity of the Kitsune continues to grow year after year in the land of the rising sun as in the rest of the world.

Cover image : Artworkby Anthony Christou. (©AchristouArt)

Kitsune, the Japanese Fox with Multiple Powers and its Meaning (2024)

FAQs

Kitsune, the Japanese Fox with Multiple Powers and its Meaning? ›

kitsune, trickster foxes from traditional Japanese folklore. They are a type of yōkai, a class of supernatural creatures with godlike powers, often equated to the English ghoul or demon. Kitsune are noted for their paranormal abilities, particularly metamorphosis. As they age, these abilities can become more powerful.

What are the 13 types of kitsune and their powers? ›

In Japanese mythology, there are said to be 13 types of kitsune, which correspond to different elements—celestial, wind, spirit, darkness, fire, earth, river, ocean, forest, mountain, thunder, sound, and time. Broadly, they can also be broken into two groups—zenko, or good, and nogitsune, or bad.

What does the kitsune fox symbolize? ›

Kitsune (キツネ) - the fox of a thousand appearances. Japanese mythology since the Heian period, but it is also known in other parts of Asia and fascinates millions of people around the world. Kitsune is a symbol of intelligence and long life, therefore it is said to be "intelligent as a fox".

How many powers can a kitsune have? ›

Other supernatural abilities commonly attributed to kitsune include possession, generating fire or lightning, willful manifestation in the dreams of others, flight, invisibility, and the creation of illusions so elaborate as to be almost indistinguishable from reality.

What happens if a kitsune falls in love? ›

Kitsune are the only yokai in Japanese folklore who fall in love and get married, which typically results in a Fox's Wedding, or Kitsune no Yomeiri,. The jubilant event itself is quite a common motif in Japanese folklore, with numerous paintings depicting kitsune parading towards marital bliss.

Are kitsunes evil or good? ›

There are primarily two types of kitsune: mischievous and good. The latter grouping is often expanded to include a more defined spiritual hierarchy.

What is the most powerful type of kitsune? ›

Umi Kitsune is said to be the most powerful kitsune in the world and is rumored to have magical powers. She is often called upon by people who need help or advice. Umi was born over 1000 years ago and has been alive for many centuries.

What do the colors of the kitsune mean? ›

Red is for the fox, black is for good fortune, gold is very intelligent, being patient and understanding. silver is also known as intelligent as gold, white can mean death, yikes. The foxfire aka fairy fire can be light blue or bluish green. Good luck…

What can a kitsune shapeshift into? ›

Shapeshifting: Kitsunes can take human form by shapeshifting into a human. They can also shapeshift into their true appearance, a large fox creature. Ability to turn into anything found in nature.

What is the difference between a kitsune and a nogitsune? ›

Some types kitsune are viewed as holy animals; nogitsune are not one of these types. They are low-ranking members of the kitsune family, and do not act as divine messengers or serve Inari. Despite this, they seem to be comfortable in their position and don't aspire to increase their standing.

Do kitsunes have healing powers? ›

Overview. Kitsune possess a multitude of supernatural abilities, such as enhanced strength, speed, and agility; a natural aptitude for weaponry and combat, production of Foxfire; and accelerated healing. However, some of the powers possessed by this species are specific to an individual Kitsune type.

What are the rules of the Kitsune? ›

"Myobu" Kitsune sometimes follow a set of rules or law (set forth by their matron deity of Inari.) that may include never harming anyone unless in defense of a third party, never killing, keeping their word at any cost, and other things along those lines.

What does the nine tailed fox mean spiritually? ›

In the Qin Dynasty, the nine-tailed fox was an auspicious symbol. The appearance of a nine-tailed fox symbolizes peace and prosperity in the world. According to the ancient illustrated book of Ruiying Tupu《瑞应图谱》, when the king is over-distracted by beauty, the nine-tailed fox would arrive (王者不倾于色,则九尾狐至).

Can a kitsune marry a human? ›

In fact, in many a story female kitsune marry unwitting human men and become loving wives and devoted mothers, and children born of these pairings are reputed to have powerful divination abilities themselves.

What do Kitsunes fear? ›

Kitsune have a innate fear or a hatred of dogs. Dogs can detect kitsune. Until they gain their ninth tail, kitsune are essentially physical foxes.

Do Kitsunes grant wishes? ›

Japan has a haunted doll that can grant infinite wishes but will stick with their owners even after death. They're known as Hinnagami. Kitsunes being magical foxes also have the ability to grant wishes.

What is the weakest kitsune type? ›

Ashireiko are the lowest and weakest offshoot of Kitsune.

What are the ranks of kitsune? ›

The ranks of kitsune are:
  • Ashirei or Ashireiko are kitsune who have not yet gained the ability to take human form. ...
  • Chiko is the second rank. ...
  • Kiko, or spirit foxes, are the third rank, usually not attained until a kitsune is around 500 years old. ...
  • Tenko are the highest rank of kitsune.

Is kitsune good for grinding? ›

In folklore, Kitsune are foxes that possess paranormal abilities. They are commonly depicted with nine tails. As of Update 22, this Blox Fruit is the rarest and most expensive due to its strong grinding and PvP potential. It is recommended for First Sea, Second Sea, and even Third Sea players because of its M1s.

What happens if a kitsune loses a tail? ›

If a Kitsune loses all of their tails through either giving them away or having them stolen (or in rare cases, destroyed), they will become exceptionally weak and frail, similar to an anemic human, and will lose all of their powers.

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