Kitsune

Kitsune is the Japanese word for fox. Foxes are a common subject of Japanese folklore; in English, kitsune refers to them in this context.

Stories depict them as intelligent beings and as possessing magical abilities that increase with their age and wisdom. Oher stories portray them as faithful guardians, friends, lovers, and wives.

According to Yōkai folklore, all foxes have the ability to shape shift into human form. While some folktales speak of kitsune employing this ability to trick others as foxes in folklore often do.