狐(きつね)

狐(きつね) refers to foxes.

Common expressions:

• 狐(きつね)うどん (udon with sweet fried tofu - tofu is said to be foxes' favorite food)
• 狐(きつね)の嫁入(よめい)り (sun shower - "fox's wedding")
• 狐(きつね)につままれる (to be bewildered, as if bewitched by a fox)
• 狐(きつね)と狸(たぬき)の化(ば)かし合(あ)い (battle of wits; literally foxes and tanuki trying to outwit each other)

Counter: 匹(ひき)

Cultural note:
In Japanese folklore, 狐(きつね) are believed to be messengers of 稲荷(いなり) (the god of rice/prosperity). They can transform into humans and may be benevolent or mischievous. The red gates (鳥居(とりい)) at Inari shrines, like Fushimi Inari in Kyoto, are guarded by fox statues.