What is "kitsune"

n. (context mythology English) a Japanese fox spirit, normally female, said to have powers such as shape-shifting, and whose power is symbolized by increase in number of tails

is the Japanese word for fox. Foxes are a common subject of Japanese folklore; in English, kitsune refers to them in this context. Stories depict them as intelligent beings and as possessing magical abilities that increase with their age and wisdom. According to Yōkai folklore, all foxes have the ability to shape shift into human form. While some folktales speak of kitsune employing this ability to trick others—as foxes in folklore often do—other stories portray them as faithful guardians, friends, lovers, and wives.

Foxes and human beings lived close together in ancient Japan; this companionship gave rise to legends about the creatures. Kitsune have become closely associated with Inari, a Shinto kami or spirit, and serve as its messengers. This role has reinforced the fox's supernatural significance. The more tails a kitsune has—they may have as many as nine—the older, wiser, and more powerful it is. Because of their potential power and influence, some people make offerings to them as to a deity.

Conversely foxes were often seen as "witch animals", especially during the superstitious Edo period (1603–1867), and were goblins who could not be trusted (similar to some badgers and cats).

Kitsune is the fourth in the series of Time Hunter novellas and features the characters Honoré Lechasseur and Emily Blandish from Daniel O'Mahony's Doctor Who novella The Cabinet of Light. It is written by John Paul Catton.

" Kitsune" is the Japanese for fox and the book references the Japanese folklore around foxes.

The novella is also available in a limited edition hardback, signed by the author (ISBN 1-903889-42-1)

(The series is not formally connected to the Whoniverse.)

Kitsuné is a French electronic music record label and fashion label created in 2002 by Gildas Loaëc, Masaya Kuroki and the London-based company Åbäke. Kitsune (きつね, 狐) is the Japanese word for " fox".

Kitsune is used in English to refer to fox spirits in Japanese folklore.

Kitsune may also refer to:

• Kuda-gitsune, a creature supposedly employed by Japanese kitsune-tsukai
• Kitsune (Time Hunter), the fourth in the series of Time Hunter novellas in the Doctor Who series
• Kitsuné, a French record and fashion label
• Kitsune (Usagi Yojimbo), a fictional character from the comic book series Usagi Yojimbo
• Mitsune "Kitsune" Konno, a fictional character from the anime and manga series Love Hina
• Kitsune bakuchi, a dice game from Japan
• Kitsune udon, a type of udon topped with aburaage (sweetened deep-fried tofu pockets) popular in the Kansai region, particularly Osaka
• Kitsune's wedding, a folkloric term for a sunshower
• Kitsune (EP), an EP by Marriages

Kitsune is the first EP from American rock band Marriages. It was released on May 1, 2012 through Sargent House. The EP title "Kitsune" is also the name for a fox spirit in Japanese folklore. The EP cover depicts a woman transforming into a fox spirit and back again.