tanuki

badger-like raccoon-dog

The tanuki is often referred to as a badger or raccoon in the guidebooks. It is a trickster that can change shapes. It usually is depicted with a hat, pot-belly, and large scrotum with a jug of wine in one hand and a sutra in the other (pretending to be a priest). Small tanuki figurines are popular souvenirs. Large tanuki, usually taller than humans, are frequently found at the entrance to bars.