So is Naruto a Kitsune? I’m really not sure how to qualify him. If he is then let’s pretend I put him at number 1. Naruto’s nine-tailed demon fox introduced me to the concept of Kitsune in a rather skewed way but since they have become one of my favourite Yokai.
In any case, let’s keep this simple. Let’s stick to characters that are more clearly defined as Kitsune. These are tricky wiry multi-tailed fox spirits that I happen to really like. Even though some of them are surprisingly gloomy.
Let me know if you agree with me.
5. Pyo – The God of Highschool
Ok, so technically Pyo is also possessed by a Kitsune rather than being one himself but hey, it was my favourite part of The God of Highschool. Pyo’s Charyeok is the Nine-Tails Guardian and he has powers such a fox rain (which is kind of ironic considering the traditional power of foxfire).
Although the anime didn’t delve into it too much, there is clearly a blend of classic Chinese legends happening in the background of the story and the fox spirit has an important role to play. I like the blending of mythology just adds just a bit of depth that I appreciate.
4. Mugetsu – xxxHOLiC
At first, it isn’t obvious that the tiny, feisty and loving pipe fox is in fact a majestic Kitsune, even though his tiny pipe fox form is considered the superior one.
xxxHOLiC actually features a number of Kitsune and they have different forms. Maybe there are different Kitsune species. However, Mungetsu is the one that looks the most traditional to me, with his facial markings and nine tails. This said the little fox at the restaurant is also adorable!
I really liked the added little bit of lore that a Kitsune’s favourite food is fried tofu but if they eat too much they get lazy and fat and need to go on a cleanse. I just really liked the idea for some reason.
3. Ginji – Kakuriyo: Bed and Breakfast for Spirits
Ginji would be the quintessential Kitsune if he weren’t so timid and quiet. I guess it can be difficult to out mischief an Ogre God but it’s like Ginji isn’t even trying!
Nevertheless, he does stand tall in a world filled with demons and the traditional setting and costumes of Kakuriyo: Bed and Breakfast for Spirits just make him all the more Kitsune-like.
Does that make any sense? Not really. Well I like kimonos!
2. Soushi – Inu x Boku SS
Potentially the titular Inu, Soushi is everything you want in a Kitsune. OK, he’s more everything I want. In human form, he’s all suave, silver-haired, suit-wearing and helpful. The perfect if a little persistent butler. In Kitsune form, he’s a traditional outfit-wearing, katana-wielding powerhouse! And both are pretty easy on the eyes.
It seems that Soushi started out as much more of a trouble maker, in keeping with his Kitsune heritage but has grown to be devoted and reliable. Well, at least in comparison with the rest of the Inu x Boku crew. Those guys are all nuts!
On an unrelated note, I was thinking of starting to collect the manga but the only volume 1 I manage to find was 85$. That’s a touch steep.
1. Gugure! Kokkuri-san
Is Kokkuri-san my favourite anime Kitsune? Maybe. I sure like him a lot and he fits all the traditional requirements. And I say him but Kukuri-san actually changes gender at will. They aren’t all that worried by social impositions, or biological ones either.
I also really like Gugure Kokkuri-san as an anime and I feel like it flew under a lot of people’s radar so I like to talk about it whenever I can. I would love to see more of this show.
I did look for the manga but I can’t seem to find it anywhere. In fact, the only reward I got for my troubles is the discovery of a fanservicy Kokkuri-san body pillow cover that I can no longer unsee no matter how much I try. Phooey!
There you have it, 5 of my favourite kitsunes. I just noticed there aren’t any girls. I was thinking of Halo for instance but apparently, she isn’t a kitsune but a fox harvest diety which is completely different? And a lot of the fox girls I happen to know are either fox girls or comfort spirits. I’m probably watching the wrong shows.
Do you guys have a favourite Kitsune? Please tell me who it is! Also where I can watch them!
