Japanese foxes, or "kitsune," have a long tradition in Japanese folkore. They trick humans, but not in the same way as Western tricksters. And they pop up in anime a lot, from Shippo in Inu Yasha to Renamon in Digimon Tamers. Find out more here.

Photo credits: Fushimi Inari taisha 04, Fushimi Inari taisha 44, Fushimi Inari taisha 50, and kitsune 2. Anime artwork are screenshots from Pom Poko and Inu Yasha and art from Digimon Tamers.