Tradition: Japanese Mythology
Alternative Names: Gorōzaemon, Gorozaemon of Funayama
Category: Fox
The Myth
Gorozaemon Kitsune is a powerful fox warrior associated with Funayama Inari Shrine and the foxes of Kogarashi Forest. Renowned for his strength and courage, he commands the respect of other fox spirits and is feared by hostile supernatural beings. His legend begins during a conflict between Yamahiko, the leader of the yokai of Abeyama, and Nomawari Kitsune, the leader of the foxes of Kogarashi Forest. After Yamahiko’s followers attack Nomawari’s foxes and are punished by the mighty Mikoshi Nyūdō, Yamahiko swears revenge and gathers the mountain yokai to assault the fox forest. The attackers become intoxicated after drinking sake that leaves them paralyzed, and Gorozaemon arrives with a host of fox warriors. He defeats the yokai one after another, forcing Yamahiko himself to flee in fear.
Following the victory, Nomawari Kitsune rewards the foxes who fought bravely. However, the battle devastates their territory, destroying the fence that once marked the boundary between the lands of two foxes, Yabukuguri and Konchiki. Their dispute over ownership escalates into a larger brawl among the foxes. The disagreement is eventually settled in Yabukuguri’s favour, but Gorozaemon later learns how the cleverness of a female nekomata helped determine the outcome. Konchiki had originally erected an Inari shrine pillar bearing his name, and Yabukuguri had wanted to replace the inscription with his own. Unable to write, Yabukuguri asked the nekomata for help. She deliberately restored Konchiki’s name, reasoning that this would make it appear that someone had attempted to falsify the inscription and direct suspicion toward Konchiki. Her plan succeeds, and Gorozaemon is impressed by her intelligence. The two become friends and frequently drink together.
Later, Gorozaemon encounters the nekomata being attacked by a group of unruly monsters near a ruined castle on Mount Koiwa. She had tried to reason with them, but when they could not answer her arguments, they resorted to violence. Gorozaemon attempts to mediate, but the monsters insult him as well. He responds by throwing them to the ground, overpowering them, and tying them up before rescuing the cat spirit. After hearing what happened, he recognizes that her argument had been justified and falls in love with her, eventually taking her as his concubine. The nekomata’s father, a thieving cat monster known as Homeless, serves under Yamahiko. Because his daughter has become involved with Yamahiko’s enemy, Homeless is branded a traitor and captured. Yamahiko threatens to torture both father and daughter unless she agrees to poison Gorozaemon and the other foxes with fried rat meat. She reluctantly agrees to save her father’s life. Meanwhile, Gorozaemon is appointed head of the attendants of Funayama Inari Shrine and receives gifts of gold, silver, and rice from the surrounding foxes. Unaware of the plot against him, he offers his New Year’s greetings as the tale ends, leaving the promised continuation of his adventures unresolved.
Sources
“東光 (Tōkō).” 新版TYZ 妖怪図鑑 (New TYZ Yokai Encyclopedia). https://tyz-yokai.blog.jp/archives/1063271583.html