Japanese legend features the 9-tailed fox ghost, Kyūbi no Kitsune. It is a powerful, clever fox with nine tails, symbolizing its intelligence and magical powers. According to folklore, the Kyūbi no Kitsune may shape-shift into a lovely woman or gorgeous man and possess humans to perform its bidding. It can create illusions and control fire and lightning. The Kyūbi no Kitsune is mischievous and unpredictable, yet it can be aggressive and malevolent if provoked. It can bring good luck or bad luck, depending on the story. For millennia, Japanese art, literature, and popular culture have included the Kyūbi no Kitsune, a symbol of Japanese mythology and folklore.
The Kyūbi no Kitsune is a big red-orange fox with nine tails and golden eyes. The source and artist’s interpretation determine its appearance. It can appear as a humanoid with fox-like ears and a tail. In Japanese tradition, the Kyūbi no Kitsune appears amid battles or political disturbance. It may be more active at night and in distant areas like thick forests or mountain ranges. The Kyūbi no Kitsune’s motives vary in every story. In some stories, it plays pranks or causes tiny interruptions. It may be malicious and seek to hurt or manipulate humans. In some myths, it is a clever and kind creature that can help those who seek its advice.
In Japanese folklore, the Kyūbi no Kitsune is a complex monster whose actions and intentions depend on the context and story. The nine-tailed fox spirit Kyūbi no Kitsune has a lengthy history in Japanese folklore and mythology, reaching back to the Nara period in the 8th century AD. Cultural contact and trade brought Chinese nine-tailed fox legends to Japan. The 14th-century Noh play “Makiginu” and Murasaki Shikibu’s 18th-century classic “The Tale of Genji” feature Kyūbi no Kitsune. Ukiyo-e prints and kabuki theater feature the creature.
Modern Japanese popular culture features Kyūbi no Kitsune in anime, manga, video games, and other media. Japanese folklore still includes the nine-tailed fox spirit.