Kitsune, Japanese Stone Fox Statue

Foxes play one of the most important and complex roles within Japanese mythology and folklore. Known as kitsune (狐), foxes are strongly associated with intelligence, magic, transformation, protection, and the spiritual world. Depending on the story, they can appear as divine messengers, wise guardians, mischievous tricksters, or supernatural beings capable of deep loyalty and compassion.

The strongest association of foxes in Japan is with the Shinto deity Inari, the god of rice, agriculture, fertility, prosperity, and trade. Throughout Japan there are many shrines dedicated to Inari, of which the famous Fushimi Inari Shrine in Kyoto is one of the most important examples.