Yes, because in Chinese legends, folklore, & mythology, it is said that all animals are capable of shapeshifting (or capable of acquiring human form). The most common animal to do so is the fox.
Oh, dude, the Chinese equivalent to the Japanese Tanuki is the Huli Jing. They're both mythical creatures known for shapeshifting abilities and mischief-making. So, like, if you see a mischievous shapeshifter in China, you might just be dealing with a Huli Jing.
Mujina is an old Japanese term primarily referring to the badger. In some regions the term refers instead to the raccoon dog (also called tanuki) or to introduced civets.
No, according to every source on the web and also my knowledge 狸 /ta nu ki/ is only used to refer to 'raccoon dog'. However according to wikipedia, there is a small exception in Tochigi Prefecture in Japan that tanuki was actually used to refer to 'badgers' not raccoon dogs, but even if true it only would be local exception and most probably and old one too.
Yes. Specifically, Nyctereutes procyonoides. The other word for raccoon dog is Tanuki, which is specifically Nyctereutes procyonoides viverrinus or the folk-law creature.
The word used depends on the area you are in. For example, in Tochigi prefecture they call アナグマ (anaguma), タヌキ (tanuki) and タヌキ, ムジナ (mujina). Thus, there is presented a particularly complex situation over which term is correct. Though in general, アナグマ means badger, タヌキ means raccoon-dog, and 貉・狢 (mujina) is actually a very old term for referring to badgers. So, in short they are both correct depending on the area you are in, or both incorrect depending on the area you are in.
The possibility is almost non-existent. Tanuki and badgers have a deep root in Japanese history and folklore as well as foxes or demons. You do not see such development of cultural items and beliefs about them outside Japan, and the creatures themselves are also mostly found in Japan, since ancient times. The word tanuki in its very old usage was used to refer to cat-like creautres, small mamal in other words but gained its distinguished meaning of 'raccoon dog(s)' throughout Japanese culture, and is widely used in their comedy, folklore and media culture. The Kanji 狸 reads 'tanuki' as its 'Kun'yomi' which means 'japanese original reading' of a kanji, the more reason to believe that it does not necessarily go back to Chinese historic associations with Japan.
In Chinese culture, the raccoon dog, known as the tanuki, symbolizes adaptability and resourcefulness. It is often associated with cleverness and trickery, embodying the qualities of a shapeshifter. Additionally, the tanuki is sometimes seen as a bringer of good fortune and prosperity, reflecting its playful and mischievous nature in folklore. These attributes make it a significant figure in various cultural narratives and traditions.
Shukaku was actually a Tanuki. A Tanuki is a raccoon dog, Nyctereutes procyonoides; The Tanuki regarded as a shapeshifter, also renowned for its enormous scrotum.
The duration of Shichihenge tanuki goten is 1.68 hours.
Shichihenge tanuki goten was created on 2009-05-07.
The Japanese Raccoon Dog, also known as tanuki in Japanese, is a subspecies of the Asian raccoon dog.
You can see tanuki in Japan in various places such as forests, mountains, and rural areas where they are known to inhabit. Tanuki are also commonly depicted in folklore, art, and statues throughout the country.