First off, there's two similar ones: the tanuki, and the kitsune. Both of them are shape-shifting animals that can make themselves look like anything they want, even humans. There's two main differences between them. First off, a tanuki is a tanuki, obviously. And a kitsune is a fox. But the other difference is in their intent. Tanuki usually like pranks that are mostly-harmless, so coming across one isn't too dangerous. A kitsune, on the other hand, can be very dangerous. They're very moody, and sometimes they eat people.
she doesn't knOW WHAT A TANUKI IS, CHUUYA. but she'll listen patiently as he explains.]
They... eat people? But why? [...] There are quite a lot of creatures that eat humans... but I cannot imagine that they are very tasty. Why eat a person when you could eat a delicious fish, instead?
I dunno, they never really explained that part. Maybe it's because most animals would eat humans, if given the chance? But I bet they eat fish too, yeah.
Is there any particular sort of human form they take? That is... is there some way to identify them for what they are, or are they indistinguishable from humans until they begin tricking them?
The legends usually say that they can't hide their tails with magic, so they have to hide them under their clothes. So if you find a fox tail, it's a kitsune.
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I know some? Like, they're bedtime stories and stuff. I'm no expert, but I grew up hearing them just like any other kid.
Why? You want to know more?
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First off, there's two similar ones: the tanuki, and the kitsune. Both of them are shape-shifting animals that can make themselves look like anything they want, even humans. There's two main differences between them. First off, a tanuki is a tanuki, obviously. And a kitsune is a fox. But the other difference is in their intent. Tanuki usually like pranks that are mostly-harmless, so coming across one isn't too dangerous. A kitsune, on the other hand, can be very dangerous. They're very moody, and sometimes they eat people.
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she doesn't knOW WHAT A TANUKI IS, CHUUYA. but she'll listen patiently as he explains.]
They... eat people? But why? [...] There are quite a lot of creatures that eat humans... but I cannot imagine that they are very tasty. Why eat a person when you could eat a delicious fish, instead?
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[Dazai was not a sexy lady kitsune though.]
The legends usually say that they can't hide their tails with magic, so they have to hide them under their clothes. So if you find a fox tail, it's a kitsune.
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...but a tail would be difficult to hide under clothing, would it not?
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Not under a kimono, I guess. Or a poofy dress.
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Oh - I suppose not. Then you could keep yourself safe by not associating with people wearing clothing of that type, correct?
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[Just. Listen to how ridiculous you sound, Flayn.]
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Well, I suppose that would be a little extreme.
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Is it the same for the tanuki? Are they also unable to hide their tails?