たぬき Tanuki ~ Rare animal of Japan.

Tanuki is the animal that lives only in the Far East originally.
It is a rare animal in the world, but familiar to Japanese.

Tanuki is involved very with culture of Japan.
Japanese culture affected by the Tanuki and has been passed down to the present.
I will introduce it.

In Ethnology, Tanuki is spirits.
It is said that Tanuki can change himself to other shapes.
In the old tales and folklore of Japan, Tanuki often play a prank on humans.

Impression of Tanuki about 1000 years ago,is frightening monster as they eat the people.

However, that impression has changed very humorous in modern.
Mascot character and story to the subject of Tanuki has characteristics in common.
Their face is goofy,their belly is come out,and their scrotum is large.
In addition, they hit a big belly, and sounds Ponpoko.

The impression of Tanuki has changed in the time,however,it was not changed that Tanuki has been loved for a long time.
As proof, Tanuki to appear in many proverbs and everyday conversation.

For example, a Tanuki's sleep, that is pretend to be sleeping.
The Tanuki guy, that is sly old man.
Tanuki buckwheat noodles,that is noodles in hot broth with fried tempura batter.

取らぬ狸の皮算用 Toranu Tanuki no kawazanyou
This is a proverb.
It means in English,Catch the bear before you sell its skin.
Skin of Tanuki as Warm Clothing, it was sold by high price in the past.


There are many works that the theme of Tanuki.
Among them, I will introduce the famous animated film.

平成狸合戦ポンポコ Heisei tanuki gassen Ponpoko. 

It's a story of Tanuki that change himself to other shapes.
They fight against human beings who develop the mountain.
In recent years, Tanuki's living place is decreasing by the development of nature land.
This film is the story mixed with humor to a serious subject.
If you watch this movie, You will be able to understand the culture of the Japanese Tanuki.