Tanuki, Japanese Stone Statue

The Tanuki (狸), or Japanese raccoon dog, plays a very prominent role in various Japanese legends and folktales. The fictional Yōkai version of the animal called Bake-Danuki (化け狸) is known for its ability to change form. Bake-Danuki also has the power to drive away evil spirits. This is why Tanuki statues are a very common phenomenon in Japan. In gardens, on verandas, on balconies, or even next to front doors throughout the country, an authentic Tanuki statue is almost indispensable.

Traditional Tanuki statues usually share very characteristic characteristic features. For example, they often have a straw hat on their head and a sake bottle called Tokkuri (徳利) in their hand. Additionally, they may also have a wooden staff and a pamphlet with a Kanji character with them. This character can vary from Tanuki statue to Tanuki statue, but the character for notes (通) is very common.