In most stories that include tanuki, they are friendly creatures that simply enjoy having a good time. Some tanuki prefer to live as humans rather than be in their naturalform. There are stories of tanuki being discovered when they get too comfortable in their disguise, and their fluffytail peeks out from their clothing.
Although they may make fun ofhumans, they are usually helpful to those who are kind to them. Sometimes they even bring people great wealth. One of the strangest features of the tanuki is the two large goldenbags they carry between their legs. In addition to being symbols of money and good luck, these two bags can be transformed to serve as various tools. Some stories and art of the tanuki suggest that these bags can be stretched outinto fishing nets, cushions, boats, blankets, or even weapons.
