How were the Tanukis related to the foxes (Kitsune)?
In Japan, foxes, as well as old cats, are believed to have some magical powers, as Tanukis do. In the mandala which was used to educate the young Tanukis, you can see a Tanuki, a Kitsune, and a Neko (cat), who looks like Moon in “Whisper of the Heart”. Kitsune are also considered to be the messengers of the god Inari in Shinto belief. In “Pom Poko”, a Tanuki changed himself into a white fox , and scared the wits out of the people who were trying to move a Shinto shrine to develop the land.
