Jappleng Logo
Unleash the Full Experience – Login or Register Now!
Join us and get access to:
  • Anime/Manga Lineups & Tracker
  • Japanese Culture Lessons
  • Forums, Social Network & Chat
  • Clubs & Study Groups
  • Vocabulary Builder & Daily Login Rewards
  • Friend Finder & Pen-Pals
  • Games & Digital Pets (Yokai)
  • And much more!
Let's get you started – Register a Free Account!
Type this in the box below:
I am 13 years old or over and have read and agreed to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Complete Registration
Thank you for your support!
Announcement
March 14 - Daily Login Rewards: 10k + 10k Event! Thank you everyone!
[Read More]
Username
Password
Cancel
Login
Progress
Market
Friends
Night and Day
Settings
Your Avatar
J-Spot Social Network
Fanclubs & Study Groups
Find New Friends / Pen-Pal
J-Coins
0
Tokens
0
Coins
0
Mochi
0
Lv.
1
--:--
Guest // Guest
Available
Want2Chat
Away
Busy / DND
Invisible
Jump to Section
JPLearn!
Japan Life!
Jappleng Dictionary
Connect With Others
IMChat!
Forum Society
JSpot Social Network
Club Jappleng
Friend Match
Have Fun!
Arcades
Sticker Collection
Market Unlock
Achievements
Notifications
View All [+]
Fetching list...
Calendar
Add Entry [+]
<<March 2024>>
Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
Your Avatar
--:--
XP 0 / 50
Friends
Now loading...
Must be logged-in to use this
Settings
Personalization and settings
Arrow
Achievements
Win More Achievements!
Arrow
My Stats
View My Stats
Arrow
Login
Register or Login Here!
Arrow
Japan Life!
Start Timer
0 : 00
Module --

Chapter: 10 Lesson: 0 - The Japanese Raccoon Dog: The Tanuki

0:00:00
Lesson Timer
?
Login or Register to track progress
Fee: Free!
The tanuki or also known as the raccoon dog, is a unique and fun looking animal that is native to Japan. Often portrayed in Japanese folklore as mischievous tricksters, the tanuki is an important part of the country's cultural heritage.
Lesson added on: April 13, 2023 02:49pm
Let's Begin the Lesson!
Physical Characteristics and Distinctive Markings
Incomplete 0 / 1

The tanuki or also known as the raccoon dog, is a unique and fun looking animal that is native to Japan. Often portrayed in Japanese folklore as mischievous tricksters, the tanuki is an important part of the country's cultural heritage. Are you ready to learn all about them? Let's go!

 

Physical Characteristics and Distinctive Markings

The physical characteristics of the tanuki are what make it truly unique. Unlike its North American cousin, the raccoon, the tanuki has a thick fur coat that helps it to withstand the cold winters of Japan. It also has distinctive markings, including a white-tipped tail and a distinctive black and white mask on its face. In addition to its striking appearance, the tanuki is also known for its large testicles, which are often depicted in folklore and art.

 


Completed!
Click here to Complete this Module
The Tanuki in Japanese Folklore
Incomplete 0 / 1

The Tanuki in Japanese Folklore

In Japanese folklore, the tanuki is a mischievous and playful creature that is known for its ability to transform itself who is often depicted with large testicles. The tanuki is associated with fertility and abundance and we can clearly see why.

One of the most famous tales involving the tanuki is the story of "Bunbuku Chagama." In this folktale, a tanuki disguises itself as a teapot and is nearly sold to a Buddhist temple before revealing its true form. This story highlights the tanuki's ability to transform itself, a trait that is often associated with the animal in Japanese folklore.

In many of these tales, the tanuki uses its powers of transformation to play tricks on humans. For example, in the story "The Badger's Money Bag," a tanuki transforms itself into a wealthy nobleman in order to trick a poor farmer into giving him money. In another tale, "The Tanuki Who Became a Lady," a tanuki transforms itself into a beautiful woman in order to marry a wealthy merchant.

Despite its playful and mischievous nature, the tanuki is also sometimes portrayed as a wise and intelligent creature. In the story "The Tanuki Who Taught the Fox to Play the Shamisen," a tanuki teaches a fox how to play a traditional Japanese instrument, leading to the fox's success.

Overall, the tanuki is a prominent figure in Japanese folklore and is often associated with transformation, trickery, and wisdom. Its ability to shape shift makes it a fascinating and enduring character in the country's cultural heritage.

 


Completed!
Click here to Complete this Module
The Tanuki in Japanese Cuisine
Incomplete 0 / 1

The Tanuki in Japanese Cuisine

In addition to its role in folklore, the tanuki is also an important part of Japanese cuisine. Its meat is often used in dishes such as tanuki soba, a type of noodle soup, and its fat is used to make a type of oil that is used in cooking. The animal's fur is also sometimes used to make clothing and other items.

 


Completed!
Click here to Complete this Module
The Tanuki in Pop Culture
Incomplete 0 / 1

The Tanuki in Pop Culture

The tanuki has made numerous appearances in popular culture in Japan. In addition to its role in folklore and religion, the tanuki has also been featured in a variety of other forms of media.

One of the most famous depictions of the tanuki in pop culture is in the Studio Ghibli film "Pom Poko." In this movie, a group of tanuki use their shapeshifting abilities to try to protect their forest home from being destroyed by developers. The film is a commentary on environmental issues and the destruction of natural habitats.

The tanuki has also appeared in many other anime and manga series. In the popular manga and anime series "Naruto," the character Shukaku is a tanuki-human hybrid who possesses powerful abilities. In the manga and anime "Inuyasha," the character Shippo is a young tanuki who accompanies the main characters on their adventures.

Additionally, the tanuki has also been featured in video games. In the popular game "Super Mario Bros. 3," one of the main enemies is a tanuki character called Tanooki Mario, who can transform into a statue. The game "Okami" also features a main character who is a tanuki-like wolf deity named Amaterasu.

Overall, the tanuki has a prominent place in Japanese pop culture and has made many appearances in a variety of forms of media. Its magical abilities and unique appearance make it a popular subject in art and entertainment.

 


Completed!
Click here to Complete this Module
The Tanuki in Religion
Incomplete 0 / 1

The Tanuki in Religion

In Japanese religion, the tanuki is associated with the Shinto god of prosperity, Ebisu. Ebisu is one of the Seven Lucky Gods of Japanese mythology, and is often depicted holding a fishing rod and a large sea bream, symbols of abundance and good fortune.

In many parts of Japan, statues of tanuki can be found outside of shops and restaurants. These statues are believed to bring good luck and prosperity to the business. They are often depicted holding a bottle of sake, a symbol of abundance and celebration.

In addition to its association with Ebisu, the tanuki is also sometimes associated with the god Inari, who is the patron of foxes and is also associated with prosperity and abundance. Inari is often depicted with a pair of foxes or tanuki at his side.

The tanuki plays an important role in Japanese religion, and is associated with prosperity and good fortune. Its statues can be found throughout the country, and it is often invoked in prayers and other religious rituals.

 


Completed!
Click here to Complete this Module
Challenges Facing the Tanuki and Efforts to Protect It
Incomplete 0 / 1

Challenges Facing the Tanuki and Efforts to Protect It

The challenges facing the tanuki are numerous and varied. Habitat loss is one of the primary threats to the animal, as forests are cleared for development and agriculture, reducing the amount of space available for the tanuki to live and thrive. In addition, the tanuki is also hunted for its meat and fur, which has led to a decline in the animal's population.

Efforts are being made to protect the tanuki and ensure its future survival. In Japan, the tanuki is protected by law, and hunting or trapping the animal is illegal. Additionally, organizations such as the Tanuki Conservation Society are working to raise awareness about the challenges facing the tanuki and to advocate for the animal's protection. These efforts include educating the public about the importance of preserving natural habitats and promoting responsible and sustainable consumption of tanuki products.

The future of the tanuki remains optimistic as the IUCN places its status as “Least Concern” due to how prolific and adaptive they are. According to a publication found in “The Wild Mammals of Japan”, it is estimated that about 370,000 tanuki are run over and killed by vehicles each year in Japan. For the foreseeable future, the Tanuki will continue to be a staple animal of Japan.

 


Completed!
Click here to Complete this Module
Thank you for reading!
Incomplete 0 / 1

Thank you for reading about the Japanese Raccoon Dog: The Tanuki. If you like this article, there are many more available about different parts of Japanse culture here for free! We also have Japanese lessons, a fun community and many other things that is sure to interest you. Please take a moment to take a look around, maybe even create an account too. We are mostly volunteers here too! Have fun!

 


Completed!
Click here to Complete this Module
Complete Lesson
The lesson will complete after all modules have been completed.
Lesson Resources and Downloads
No files were uploaded for this lesson.
Latest Course Forum Activity
No threads have been made yet.
There are a total of 0 Posts in this course forum - Open Forums -
My Progress
?? %
????
?? %
????
?? %
????
?? %
????
Please Login or Register to use this.
Assignments
Nothing is due
Please Login or Register to use this.
Vocabulary Tracker
Not tracking any words.
Please Login or Register to use this.
Edutainment Apps to Help You
Jappleng Arcades
Jappleng Dictionary
Club Jappleng
Japanese Friend Match and Pen Pals
Japanese Flash Cards and Vocabulary Tracker
Newest Lessons to your Subs
Not subscribed to any course.
Please Login or Register to use this.
Quick Navigation:
Home Page ·
Japanese Entertainemnt (Anime and Manga) ·
Learn Japanese online free ·
Explore the Japanese culture ·
Clubs and Study Groups ·
Community Forums ·
Practice Japanese Apps ·
English to Japanese Dictionary ·
Friend Finder
About Jappleng and Fun Facts
Terms of use | Privacy Policy | Cookies? Om nom...
© 2024 Jappleng, All Rights are Reserved | Need an account? Registration is free!
Information for Parents & Teachers
Help & Getting Started