Tradition: Japanese Mythology
Alternative Names: Kakubei-danuki, Kakubei Raccoon Dog
Category: Marten
The Myth
Kakubei Tanuki is a shape-shifting raccoon dog from Mount Tatsuzu who appears in a tale of supernatural rivalries, revenge, and a disastrous attempt to abduct a fox bride. He falls in love with the daughter of a powerful fox who serves as a messenger of the Inari deity, but his advances are dismissed because of his low status. Resentful of the fox’s arrogance, Kakubei forcibly takes the daughter and plots to challenge her family. To accomplish his ambitions, he seeks the help of Shiratawashi, a powerful yokai who is being escorted toward hell after committing violent acts against demons.
Kakubei first saves Shiratawashi by disguising himself as a strange boy carrying sake. The demons escorting the yokai are tempted by the drink, unaware that it is poisoned sake known as Onikoroshi. After they collapse and die, Kakubei reveals his true identity, frees Shiratawashi, and persuades him to help with his plans. Together with other tanuki, they later attack a nighttime bridal procession, hoping to seize another fox bride. However, their assault is interrupted by Mikoshi Nyudo, a righteous wandering yokai who defeats the attackers. Kakubei and Shiratawashi are captured and handed over to the supernatural beings they have antagonized.
Kakubei is sentenced to be tortured by smoke from burning pine needles. Hung upside down over the fire, he weeps and apologizes until Mikoshi Nyudo takes pity on him and releases him. Kakubei promises to change his ways, but his resentment toward the foxes remains. Later, he takes advantage of a raid on a fox mansion to steal the family’s treasured White Fox Ball, hoping to frame Shiratawashi. The foxes quickly discover the deception and capture Kakubei again, nearly killing him. The jewel is eventually recovered, but Kakubei’s fate remains unknown after the story turns to other conflicts among the foxes and their enemies.
Sources
“Kakubei Tanuki.” 新版TYZ 妖怪図鑑 (New TYZ Yokai Encyclopedia). https://tyz-yokai.blog.jp/archives/1072057392.html