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In Japanese folklore, Kitsune along with Tanuki are magical animal spirits. According to legend, both are capable of shape-shifting and creating illusions to trick people. However, most are simply mischievous and are usually harmless if not angered somehow. Kitsune are often portrayed as having more than one tail, usually up to nine; although not always the case, they sometimes signify the Kitsune's age in hundreds of years.
Embedded in popular folklore, kitsune have made appearances in many Japanese works. Sonic the Hedgehog's two-tailed sidekick Tails may be based on the legends of the kitsune. And two Pokémon creatures, the Vulpix and the Ninetales, are undoubtedly derived from the mythical kitsune.