Kitsune (狐, IPA: [kitsɯne]) is the Japanese word for fox. In Japanese folklore; stories depict foxes as intelligent beings possessing magical abilities that increase with their age and wisdom (the more tails the older, wiser, and more powerful). According to Yōkai folklore, all foxes have the ability to shape shift into women. While some folktales speak of kitsune employing this ability to trick others, other tales portray them as faithful guardians, friends, lovers, and wives.
