Tanuki (狸, タヌキ) is the common japanese name for the Japanese racoon dog (Nyctereutes procyonoides viverrinus). They have been part of japanese folklore since ancient times. The legendary tanuki is reputed to be mischievous and jolly, a master of disguise and shapeshifting, but somewhat gullible and absentminded.
The comical image of the tanuki is thought to have developed during the Kamakura era.
The actual wild tanuki has disproportionately large testicles, a
feature that has inspired humorous exaggeration in artistic depictions.
Tanuki may be shown with their testicles flung over their backs like
travelers’ packs, or using them as drums.
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