Tanuki
Wild animal’s surprise appearance makes people wonder if this was a shapeshifting salaryman on his way home from work.
Japanese raccoon dogs are known for their large…ahem, appendages. But which one is the largest of them all?
Because nothing says “delicious cooking” like huge, saggy pig balls, right?
The people have made it clear that they want the shrine to stay, but will that be enough to save it?
They may look similar at first glance, but the two separate species of forest critters have a handful of key differences.
See this tanuki? Aren’t his balls cute? Welcome to Japan, where raccoon-dog genitals are universally admired.
During these crisp, cool days of autumn, the leaves are changing color to vibrant reds and yellows. Along with that change in the scenery comes a shift in fashion, as people step out in sweaters, coats, and other cold-weather attire.
But while you or I can put on a heavy jacket to help ward off the chill, that’s not an option for Japan’s woodland animals. Don’t worry, though because while these tanuki can’t put on additional layers of clothing to keep warm, they can add additional layers of tanuki by sleeping in an adorable bunch.
Japanese raccoon dogs, or tanuki as they’re known over here, are animals with great significance in Japanese folk-lore. Among their many supernatural attributes such as giant scrota and swift speeds, the tanuki are also known for their purported shapeshifting abilities.
And though the above picture clearly dispels the size of their manhood, there appears to be some truth to their art of disguise. As the Twitter user who posted the photo explains, this little guy is actually pretending to be a stray cat so he can get some of the food laid out for him.
Tanuki, also known as Japanese raccoon dogs, hold a special place in Japanese culture. Often the center of folktales for their large testicles, magical abilities, and easygoing attitude, you can see them depicted in works of art all over the country.
However, now the tanuki is threatened. Not the actual animal, but a cake created in its image known as the tanuki cake. For many middle-aged Japanese people the mention of such a treat would awaken fond childhood memories. Despite this, the tanuki cake population in Japan has plummeted in recent years to the point of being critically endangered.
That’s why the website Tanuki Cake No Aru Toko Meguri has established the National Tanuki Cake Habitat Map, so that we may monitor and perhaps conserve these noble animal-shaped cakes.
Yuru-kyara, those lovable mascots of urban and rural districts all over Japan, have finished their annual yuru-kyara Gran Prix with Bari-San the chicken clinching a long awaited first place.
But that doesn’t mean these men and women in giant animal costumes have time to rest. No sir. Just as the last Gran Prix closed yuru-kyara it’s now time for the hundreds of mascots to begin campaigning for next year’s vote.
This brings us to Takibou, the Tanuki Monster of Shaolin Temple (not the kung-fu one) in Hachioji, Tokyo. Takibou had finished 58th place (top 6%) in 2012 and is hoping to improve on that performance. So, for the first time – probably in the world – a mascot is releasing their scent for the public to buy.
MOST POPULAR
Now
This downtown Tokyo cafe is like a time machine that takes you back 50 years into the past
Japanese government will check and judge new baby name pronunciations, presents guidelines
One of Japan’s rarest sweets is a sell-out hit that looks and tastes like frost
Mysterious light-up rainy night-sound Totoro figure doesn’t actually show a scene from the anime
Totoro towels gently glow in the dark to set the Ghibli nighttime mood in your home【Photos】
Japanese restaurant chain causes a stir with foreigners online, but is it any good?
Japanese moms’ secret curry recipes: The newest must-buy/eat capsule toys
Made In Japan Fender Limited Edition Hello Kitty Stratocaster now on sale in Japan
Haku is…Chihiro’s dead brother? Studio Ghibli fans blown away by Spirited Away theory
World’s first real ramen in a can now available at Japanese vending machines
Weekly
Japanese company develops classy heavy metal band frames for glasses- One of Japan’s rarest sweets is a sell-out hit that looks and tastes like frost
Studio Ghibli showcases traditional craftsmanship with new wallet range- Mysterious light-up rainy night-sound Totoro figure doesn’t actually show a scene from the anime
Major Japanese city is abolishing extracurricular activities at all of its middle schools- This downtown Tokyo cafe is like a time machine that takes you back 50 years into the past
Over 800 Studio Ghibli anime world paintings compiled in beautiful new hardcover art book【Pics】
Spirited Away and Princess Mononoke plushies show a softer side of formidable Ghibli characters
Shakey’s is back! All-you-can-eat pizza chain returns to downtown Tokyo’s Shinjuku
Studio Ghibli tea blends contain ingredients inspired by My Neighbour Totoro
Monthly
Possessing Harry Potter’s Sword of Godric Gryffindor is now illegal in Japan
Uniqlo announces first-ever collaboration with horror manga master Junji Ito【Photos】
J-pop mega star Ado reveals she’s been living in the U.S., may not understand language acquisition
Starbucks Japan is calling it quits with paper straws
Studio Ghibli releases new range of cardigans for anime fans
Japan’s most popular castle raising ticket prices by up to 200 percent for non-local tourists
Furikake rice seasoning sales are soaring, which is bad news for Japan as a whole
Studio Ghibli heroine cardigans give you warmth and strength to face everyday challenges
Eight unforgettable hot springs, as recommended by Japan’s “Professor Bath”- Japanese company develops classy heavy metal band frames for glasses
Yearly
McDonald’s new Happy Meals offer up cute and practical Sanrio lifestyle goods
Foreign tourists on Shinkansen bullet train break suitcase etiquette, angering local passengers- Possessing Harry Potter’s Sword of Godric Gryffindor is now illegal in Japan
[Deleted] Article written for April Fool’s Day 2018
Japanese government to make first change to romanization spelling rules since the 1950s
Foreigner’s request for help in Tokyo makes us sad for the state of society
Japanese convenience store Family Mart announces abolishment of eat-in spaces
Life-size vibrating Legend of Zelda Master Sword for sale from Nintendo【Photos】
Princesses, fruits, and blacksmiths: Study reveals the 30 most unusual family names in Japan
Studio Ghibli releases free-download board game — Here’s how to play it without reading Japanese
RECOMMENDED STORIES
Japanese restaurant chain causes a stir with foreigners online, but is it any good?
Japanese moms’ secret curry recipes: The newest must-buy/eat capsule toys
Made In Japan Fender Limited Edition Hello Kitty Stratocaster now on sale in Japan
Haku is…Chihiro’s dead brother? Studio Ghibli fans blown away by Spirited Away theory
World’s first real ramen in a can now available at Japanese vending machines
Nakano Broadway sells a fukubukuro lucky bag for foreigners, but is it a good deal or a scam?
Uniqlo announces first-ever collaboration with horror manga master Junji Ito【Photos】
Starbucks Japan releases a new Frappuccino that looks and tastes like a floral bouquet
Forget dog-earing and bookmarks that fall, make your own easy origami bookmark instead!
One Piece ship to anchor at Japanese theme park
Where’s the happiest place for foreigners to live in Japan? Study investigates
Pokémon Smart Bath Mats are amazingly cute, but there’s more to them than meets the eye【Photos】
Ranma 1/2 Cafe opening in three Japanese cities, features food with transformable flavors
-
