Tradition: Japanese Mythology
Alternative Names: Inugami Gyōbu, Yamaguchi Reishin, Lord Inugami
Category: Marten
The Myth
Inugami Gyōbu is a powerful shape-shifting tanuki and the supreme leader of the raccoon dogs of Iyo Matsuyama, in present-day Ehime Prefecture, Japan. Possessing extraordinary supernatural powers, he commands eight hundred and eight tanuki known collectively as the Eight Hundred and Eight Tanuki. His home is a rocky cavern in the mountains of Kuma, from where he is said to have guarded Matsuyama Castle for many years. He was regarded as a formidable supernatural guardian whose influence extended throughout the surrounding region.
During a succession dispute within the Matsuyama domain, Inugami Gyōbu became entangled in a political conspiracy. Following a confrontation and subsequent pact with the wandering samurai Gotō Kogenta, he reluctantly agreed to assist those plotting a rebellion. This brought him into conflict with the forces supporting the legitimate authorities. Inugami Gyōbu and his numerous followers were eventually defeated by Inō Budayū, a renowned warrior from Hiroshima who sided with the defenders of the domain. He sealed the tanuki leader and his followers within the mountains of Kuma.
Despite his involvement in the conspiracy, Inugami Gyōbu was not simply destroyed as a defeated monster. His long service guarding Matsuyama Castle was remembered, and a shrine was established in his honor. He came to be worshipped as Yamaguchi Reishin, allowing the powerful tanuki guardian to retain a place of reverence even after his downfall.
Sources
“Inugami Gyōbu.” 新版TYZ 妖怪図鑑 (New TYZ Yokai Encyclopedia). https://tyz-yokai.blog.jp/archives/1010654423.html