Kitsune is a supernatural fox spirit in Japanese folklore. Growing more powerful with age and gaining additional tails, these beings reach their most powerful form with nine tails. They can assume human form, create illusions, and sometimes fall in love with humans.
There are two main types: sacred zenko (good foxes) who serve the Inari deity, and yako (mischievous foxes) who deceive humans. The fox statues at the entrances of Inari shrines show kitsune’s deeply rooted place in Japanese culture.
