japanese garden gnome ハッピー狸 (near Komagome, Japan)

Posted by timothy sullivan (Tokyo, Japan) on 2 March 2009 in Lifestyle & Culture.

Garden gnomes. We have all seen them; many of us have some form of them adorning our gardens. Many Japanese have a similar creature as well--in the form of tanuki (raccoon dogs).
Tanuki are actual animals found occasionally in the wild areas of Japan; though they are a member of the canid family, their appearance is rather akin to that of a raccoon--hence their name. The Japanese have seen these beasts and, over time, ascribed certain personality characteristics to them. Mythical tanuki have eight special traits said to bring good fortune: (1) a bamboo hat that protects against trouble, (2) big eyes to perceive the environment and help make good decisions, (3) a sake bottle that represents virtue, (4) a big tail that provides steadiness and strength until success is achieved, (5) over-sized testicles that symbolize financial luck, (6) a promissory note that represents trust, (7) a big belly that symbolizes bold decisiveness, and (8) a friendly smile.
(If you visit Japan, be sure you look around for the larger form of this guy--usually found next to izakayas (pubs) or certain food shops.)

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