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Kitsune (狐) is Japanese for the Japanese Red Fox (Vulpes vulpes
japonica). Along with dogs, it is a member of the Canidae family of mammals.
In Japanese folklore, Kitsune along with Tanuki are magical animal
spirits.
According to legend, both are capable of shape-shifting and creating
illusions to trick people. However, most are simply mischievous and are
usually harmless if not angered somehow.
Embedded in popular folklore, kitsune have made appearances in several
Japanese works. In Super Mario Bros 3, Mario has the ability to change into
a Tanuki by using a leaf power-up (though the suit is called a Tanooki Suit
in the game). Mario gains the power to turn into a statue while he is
wearing a Tanooki Suit. Sonic the Hedgehog's two-tailed sidekick Tails may
be based on the legends of the kitsune. And two Pokιmon creatures, the
Vulpix and the Ninetales, are undoubtedly derived from the mythical kitsune.
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